Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23–24)
Article 23: Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour
- Article 23 prohibits human trafficking, forced labour (begar), and other similar exploitative practices. Violations are punishable by law, protecting individuals from both state and private actions.
- ‘Traffic in human beings’ includes practices such as slavery, devadasi system, and immoral trafficking. Laws like the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, address these issues.
- Forced labour, including work under coercion or for wages below minimum standards, is prohibited. Key legislations include the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
- Exception: The state can impose compulsory service for public purposes (e.g., military service), but without discrimination based on religion, race, caste, or class.
Article 24: Prohibition of Child Labor
- Article 24 prohibits employing children below 14 years in factories, mines, or hazardous activities, though harmless work is permitted.
- Legislations like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, strengthen the ban.
- SC directed the establishment of Child Labour Rehabilitation Welfare Fund and mandated employers violating child labour laws to pay fines.
- Prohibitions extend to employing children as domestic workers or in industries like restaurants, factories, and spas, with penalties for violations.