'Serious Issue' : Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response On PIL To Ban Child Employment In Dance Bars, Spas

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Union Government on a public interest litigation seeking stricter prohibition of child labour in entertainment and hospitality-linked establishments, including orchestras, dance bars, dance troupes, nautanki performances, massage parlours, spas and salons, where children are allegedly vulnerable to exploitation.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi was a PIL filed by Just Rights for Children Alliance, which sought directions to the Centre to exercise its powers under Section 4 of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, to expand the list of occupations where child employment is absolutely prohibited.

During the hearing, CJI Surya Kant observed that it was a "serious issue." Senior Advocate HS Phoolka appeared for the petitioner.

The petitioner sought a writ of mandamus directing the Central Government to include the employment or performance of children below 18 years in orchestras, dance bars, dance troupes, nautanki performances, massage parlours, spas, salons, and similar establishments depicting children in an obscene or exploitative manner in Part A of the Schedule to the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act (CALPRA), thereby imposing a categorical ban.

The plea also sought transfer of Entry 52, which currently covers massage parlours, gymnasiums, recreational centres, and medical facilities, from Part B to Part A of the Schedule. Such a shift would convert the existing regulatory framework into a complete prohibition on child labour in these sectors.

Further, the petitioner urged the Court to direct the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to formulate a standard operating procedure for rescue and rehabilitation of children found working in such establishments, including those operating under the guise of entertainment.

According to the petition, the present statutory framework leaves gaps that allow children to be employed in sectors where the risk of abuse, trafficking, and sexual exploitation is high. The petitioner argued that stronger legal safeguards and institutional protocols are necessary to ensure effective protection and rehabilitation of rescued children.

The petition was filed through Advocate Sonali Jain.

Case : Justice Rights for Children Alliance v. Union of India | WP (c) 647/2026