# South Asian legal efforts for child safety > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-asian-legal-efforts-for-child-safety > Updated: 2026-09-10T06:00:29.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2. Legal proceedings in India and Pakistan have emerged regarding the protection of minors in digital and physical environments. In India, the Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union government following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to restrict social media access for individuals under 18. The petition argues that minors lack the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts and highlights risks such as “online grooming, sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, and data profiling.” The plea suggests implementing digital firewalls and parental consent mechanisms. Additionally, the Indian Supreme Court is seeking government responses regarding a plea for a uniform nationwide mechanism to investigate child kidnapping and abduction. This proposal includes time-bound probes and the establishment of dedicated courts to resolve cases within one year. In Pakistan, a petition has been filed with the Federal Constitutional Court to restrict social media access for children under 16, calling for mandatory age verification and amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Courts in India and Pakistan review child safety and social media regulations Courts in India and Pakistan are reviewing legal petitions to enhance child safety online through social media restrictions, mandatory age verification, and improved investigation mechanisms for kidnapping. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/supreme-court-of-india-issues-notice-on-child-kidnapping-investigation-plea ### 2026-08-26: Supreme Court of India mandates expedited trials for dowry offences The Supreme Court of India has issued directives to expedite dowry-related criminal trials, mandating priority case handling, time-bound charge framing, and thrice-yearly compliance reports. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/supreme-court-of-india-mandates-expedited-trials-for-dowry-offences --- Cite as: South Asian legal efforts for child safety. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-asian-legal-efforts-for-child-safety