Right Against Exploitation
Articles 23 & 24: Human Dignity and Child Protection
PART I — TRAFFICKING & FORCED LABOR
ARTICLE 23(1)
Human Trafficking
- Prohibits traffic in human beings
- Buying/selling humans as goods
- Immoral traffic in women/children
- Punishable offense under law
ARTICLE 23(1)
Begar & Forced Labor
- Prohibits 'begar' (compulsory work without pay)
- Covers forced labor against will
- Includes labor for less than minimum wage
- Protects citizens and non-citizens
ARTICLE 23(2)
Public Purpose Exception
- State can impose compulsory service
- For public purposes (e.g., military/social)
- Not bound to pay for such service
- No discrimination on religion, race, caste
PART II — CHILD PROTECTION
ARTICLE 24
Hazardous Employment
- Prohibits employment below 14 years
- In factories, mines, hazardous jobs
- Does not ban harmless work (initially)
- Absolute duty of the State
AMENDMENT 2016
Absolute Ban
- Child Labour Act amended (2016)
- Total ban in all occupations (under 14)
- Exception: Family business after school
- Adolescents (14-18) banned in hazardous jobs
Return to Index: Indian Polity