Bachpan Bachao Andolan V. Union Of India, (2015) 17 SCC 186

Aishwary Jain & Devang Sharma, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun

Introduction:

Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India1 is a critical case filed in the Supreme Court of India in 2011. The subject matter of the case is related to the issue of child labour in India and the exploitation of children for labour purposes. The Bachpan Bachao Andolan, a non- governmental organization, filed the case, seeking the court's intervention to stop child labour and ensure the protection of children's rights. The case is significant as it highlights the issue of child labour in India and the need to address it. Child labour is a prevalent problem in India, where millions of children are forced to work in hazardous conditions, denying them the opportunity to receive an education and have a childhood. The Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India case aims to address this issue by calling for implementing laws and policies that would protect children's rights and prevent child labour.

The Supreme Court of India's landmark judgment in 2016, directing the government to take immediate steps to rescue and rehabilitate children who are victims of child labour, and to ensure that all children have access to education and other basic rights. This victory for child rights activists and organizations, recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue of child Labour in India, and demonstrating the court's commitment to upholding children's rights and protecting them from exploitation. The case remains relevant today, as child labour remains a prevalent problem in India and other parts of the world, and more efforts are needed to protect children’s rights and prevent their exploitation.