Delhi HC disposes of plea on child labour

The Delhi High Court Wednesday disposed of a petition seeking complete elimination of child labour from the national capital after the city's additional commissioner of labour appeared in court and assured of action on the issue.

A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw was informed by the additional commissioner of labour that the government has accepted the suggestion of NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan, which filed the plea in the court, and will act on the suggestions.

The court was hearing the petition filed by the NGO through advocate Prabhsahay Kaur.

It sought directions for police and the government to conduct raids and rescue children engaged in labour.

The suggestions submitted by the NGO said that when a complaint of child labour is lodged, police have to take immediate action within a day (24 hours).

If the number of child workers is large, i.e above 100, the maximum time within which police can take action is three days.

Investigation should be completed within 45 days from the rescue of a child so that necessary formalities for rehabilitation and compensation can be completed within 45 days, the NGO said.

"The investigative officer has to put forward the cases of child labour for compensation and rehabilitation to the appropriate authorities/department for recovery if due back wages, compensation for victim of trafficking and rape etc. are involved," the suggestions stated.

The city government in coordination with other departments had formulated the Delhi Action Plan for total abolition of child labour in 2009 but this has not been implemented as yet, the plea said.