Ketan Shah 31 July 2025

Question about child labor

There is a child labour employed in my father’s shop. She was really looking for work so my dad employed her to help with her finances. We have around 20 staff and no of the other staff is under age. The underage girl ran away from her hometown. The police found her after 2 months. During investigation she mentioned she works at my father’s office. The police then called my dad with the claim of employing under age labour. The police is now asking for bribe to close the file. Otherwise they would put a case on my father. This all new to me and my family. How should I approach and what should be my next steps?

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3 Replies

Rama chary Rachakonda (Secunderabad/Telangana state Highcourt practice watsapp no.9989324294 ) 31 July 2025

This situation requires immediate attention.

Employing child labor is a serious offense in India, punishable under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.

Here's a step-by-step approach to handle the situation: Understand the Law - The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, prohibits employing children below 14 years in any occupation, except helping in family businesses after school hours. -

Adolescents (14-18 years) can't work in hazardous occupations. Next Steps -

*Seek Legal Counsel*: Consult a lawyer specializing in labor laws to understand the charges and potential penalties. -

*Gather Documents*: Collect documents proving the age of all employees, including the underage girl, and records of working hours, wages, and other relevant details. -

*Cooperate with Authorities*: Respond to police inquiries and provide required documents, but avoid giving bribes.

- *Report Bribery*: If police demand bribes, report it to senior officials or anti-corruption agencies. Potential Consequences -

*Penalties*: Imprisonment (3 months to 1 year) and fines (₹10,000 to ₹20,000) for employing children below 14 years. -

*Reputation Damage*: Negative publicity can harm your father's business reputation. Preventing Future Issues -

*Verify Employee Ages*: Ensure all employees are above the legal working age. -

*Maintain Records*: Keep accurate records of employee ages, working hours, and wages.

- *Comply with Labor Laws*: Familiarize yourself with labor laws and regulations to avoid future violations.

P. Venu (Advocate) 31 July 2025

If a child, how she is employed in handling finances? Had your father employed her knowing that she is a minor?

T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate (Advocate) 01 August 2025

Employing a child in India is a punishable offense.

The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in any occupation and adolescents in hazardous occupations. Violations can result in imprisonment and fines.

First-time offenders can face imprisonment from six months to two years, and/or a fine between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 50,000.

Violations related to work hours, health, and safety conditions can result in imprisonment of up to one month and/or a fine of up to Rs. 10,000.

The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 strengthened the law by increasing penalties and making the offense cognizable.

If a child is found to be working illegally, be prepared to cooperate with authorities for the child's rehabilitation and ensure they are placed in a safe environment.

Take the assistance of a local lawyer having expertise in child labor laws.