Delhi HC lauds Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi

The Delhi High Court congratulated Kailash Satyarthi for winning the Nobel Peace Prize, while disposing 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 hearing a plea filed by Satyarthi's NGO, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, seeking directions for police and the government to conduct raids and rescue children engaged in labour.

"We also take this occasion to convey our appreciation for the sustained efforts put in by the petitioner (NGO), during the last nearly nine years since when these proceedings are pending, for the cause of eliminating child labour and for saving childhood," the court said.

"We also place on record our deep pleasure for the public recognition of the work of Kailash Satyarthi, one of the trustees of the petitioner, by the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize on him," it said.

The court order came Nov 5 but was made available to the media Saturday.

The counsel for the Delhi government apprised the court that suggestions from the petitioner were found to be within the ambit of the Delhi Action Plan and have been accepted.

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

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.