M.C. Mehta v State of Tamil Nadu (1996)

Human Rights Law · National Commission for Backward Classes

Facts.

A PIL exposed children working in the hazardous Sivakasi fireworks and match factories.

Issue.

What must the State do to enforce the constitutional ban on employing children in hazardous work?

Held.

Employing children under 14 in hazardous industry is banned (Article 24); the Court directed rescue, an employer contribution to a rehabilitation-cum-welfare fund, and the child’s education.

Why it matters.

The leading authority on child labour and rehabilitation — the answer to any hazardous-child-employment fact-pattern.

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