The Delhi High Court has ordered the Delhi government to file a detailed report on its actions against child labour and the rehabilitation of rescued children. The court emphasized the need for district-wise accountability to ensure that authorities are taking effective measures.
A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the government to include district-wise data in the report, which must be affirmed by Delhi Chief Secretary. The court specifically asked for information on the frequency of task force meetings, rescue operations, and rehabilitation plans.
“There has to be some accountability district-wise,” the bench noted, adding that a comprehensive report must be submitted by March.
The court also instructed the Delhi Police to file a status report regarding an ongoing probe into an FIR about the alleged assault and molestation of volunteers who participated in a raid to rescue child labourers.
The case was brought before the court by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, an NGO focused on child rights, after a tragic fire in Delhi’s Anaj Mandi area in December 2019 claimed over 40 lives, including several minors.
Key Issues Raised by the Court:
| Action Points | Details Sought by HC |
|---|---|
| Task Force Meetings | Frequency of district-wise task force meetings |
| Rescue Operations | Number of raids conducted to rescue children |
| Rehabilitation Efforts | Steps taken to rehabilitate rescued minors |
| Police Investigation | Status of FIR probe into volunteer assault |
The court expressed displeasure at the lack of regular rescue operations. Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, representing the NGO, informed the bench that authorities had not conducted monthly raids or meetings as mandated under Rule 17C of the Child and Adolescent Labour Rules.
“Most districts have not conducted any raids in 2024,” Kaur said, adding that action was only taken after court orders.
The court directed authorities to ensure compliance and sought the presence of the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) during the next hearing scheduled for March 12.
The case highlights the ongoing concerns about child labour in Delhi and the need for authorities to act decisively to curb the issue
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