NGO watchdog, Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), has lodged a formal complaint with the Director General and Additional Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), alleging that minors wearing NCC uniforms participated in a politically and religiously charged rally in Khammam, Telangana, on 7 August 2025.
According to the complaint, the rally was reportedly organised by the Palestine Solidarity Committee with the involvement of Communist parties (CPI, CPI(ML), CPM), Muslim minority organisations including Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and local political leaders from the Congress and BRS. The LRPF stated that students from nearly 10 large schools and 15 smaller institutions took part, with several minors allegedly made to wear full NCC uniforms while participating.
Misuse of NCC Uniform in Politically Charged Pro-Palestine Rally at Khammam:
Wrote to the Director General, NCC for disciplinary proceedings under the NCC Rules, and take steps to ensure such incidents are not repeated, thereby safeguarding both the dignity of the NCC uniform https://t.co/DtvsJzgoO8 pic.twitter.com/SxMH6x6TQp
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) August 13, 2025
The procession was said to feature slogans related to the Gaza conflict, criticism of the Government of India, and religious symbolism. The LRPF claimed that the event included graphic dramatizations, such as objects resembling dead bodies wrapped in white cloth with red colouring to simulate blood, which it said created fear among children and posed a risk of psychological trauma.
Citing Rule 45(5) of the National Cadet Corps Rules, 1948, the LRPF pointed out that NCC cadets are permitted to wear the uniform only during official functions, military parades, or prescribed ceremonies. It argued that participation in a political or religious gathering in uniform constituted misuse, punishable under NCC Rules 38–39, and potentially under Section 11 of the National Cadet Corps Act, 1948.
The LRPF also said the incident violated provisions of child protection laws, including Article 39(f) of the Constitution, Section 17 of the Right to Education Act, 2009, Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and guidelines from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) prohibiting minors’ involvement in political protests.
The organisation requested the NCC Headquarters to initiate an inquiry, identify the cadets and schools involved, and take disciplinary action to prevent similar incidents.
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