The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Union Government on a PIL seeking stricter prohibition of child labour in entertainment and hospitality-linked establishments. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi took note of the submissions made by child rights collective ‘Just Rights for Children Alliance.’
The petitioner sought a writ of mandamus directing the Central Government to include the employment or performance of children below 18 years in orchestras, dance bars, dance troupes, nautanki performances, massage parlours, spas, and salons in Part A of the Schedule to the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act (CALPRA), thereby imposing a categorical ban.
The plea also sought transfer of Entry 52, which currently covers massage parlours, gymnasiums, recreational centres, and medical facilities, from Part B to Part A of the Schedule. Such a shift would convert the existing regulatory framework into a complete prohibition on child labour in these sectors.
Terming the situation “serious issue”, the bench also directed the NCPCR to formulate a standard operating procedure for rescue and rehabilitation of children found working in such establishments.
