Lecture Notes: Article 24 of the Indian Constitution

Introduction

• Focus on Article 24 of the Indian Constitution
• Addresses child labor in hazardous occupations
• Protects children under 14 from forced labor
• Reflects constitutional commitment to child rights

Key Provisions of Article 24

• Prohibits employment of children below age 14 in hazardous occupations
• Protects against forced labor in factories, mines
• Aligns with international conventions on child rights
• Emphasizes justice, equality, personal liberty, and child welfare

Legislative and Judicial Role

Protection of Children's Rights

• Aims to prevent exploitation and harmful working conditions
• Indian legislature enacted laws for child protection

Judicial Responses and Landmark Cases

• M.C. Mehta v. State of Tamil Nadu: Guidelines for child labor law enforcement; emphasized rehabilitation
• Pupils Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (1982): Highlighted constitutional imperative to prevent child labor
• State of Karnataka v. Uma Devi (2006): Emphasized protection of labor rights, indirectly supporting Article 24
• Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (2011): Directed strict enforcement against child labor, focusing on rehabilitation

Summary

• Article 24 is crucial for protecting children’s rights
• Judiciary plays a key role in interpreting and enforcing Article 24
• Landmark cases contribute to the jurisprudence on child labor
• Efforts continue to eliminate child labor and provide nurturing environments
• Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel laureate, recognized for efforts against child labor

Conclusion

• Article 24 reflects India's commitment to safeguarding children's innocence
• Future session to discuss Article 25 of the Indian Constitution