Understanding Article 24 of India's Constitution

Oct 4, 2024

Lecture Notes on Article 24 of the Indian Constitution

Introduction

  • Discussed the significance of Article 24 in protecting children's rights.
  • Focus on the judicial responses that uphold these rights.

Overview of Article 24

  • Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in:
    • Hazardous occupations
    • Factories and mines
  • Reflects commitment to:
    • Rights and well-being of children
    • Justice, equality, personal liberty

Key Provisions of Article 24

  • Recognizes vulnerability of children.
  • Aligns with international conventions on child rights.
  • Objective: Protect children's rights from exploitation and harmful conditions.

Legislative Framework

  • Indian legislature has enacted laws to protect children's rights.
  • Article 24 ensures children are not subjected to exploitative work conditions.

Role of Indian Judiciary

  • The Supreme Court has played a critical role in interpreting Article 24.
  • Several landmark cases have shaped jurisprudence on child labor:
    1. MC Mehta vs. State of Tamil Nadu (1997)
      • Issued guidelines for enforcing laws against child labor in hazardous industries.
      • Emphasized strict law enforcement and rehabilitation for rescued child laborers.
    2. People’s Union for Democratic Rights vs. Union of India (1982)
      • Highlighted the constitutional imperative to prevent child labor.
      • Recognized child labor as a socio-economic and constitutional issue.
    3. State of Karnataka vs. Umadevi (2006)
      • Relevant to labor rights, emphasizing dignity and human working conditions.
    4. Bachpan Bachao Andolan vs. Union of India (2011)
      • Directed government to enforce child labor laws strictly and ensure rehabilitation.
      • Reiterated the constitutional obligation to protect children's rights.

Conclusion

  • Article 24 exemplifies the constitutional commitment to children's rights.
  • Judicial responses underscore commitment to enforcement and rehabilitation of child laborers.
  • Continuous efforts needed to eliminate child labor and provide nurturing environments.
  • Example of Kalas Satari, who won a Nobel Prize for efforts in child labor elimination and education.

Next Steps

  • Upcoming discussion on Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.