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| What is Article 24 of Indian constitution |
Introduction
The Constitution of India enshrines a robust framework of Fundamental Rights to
safeguard the dignity, liberty, and equality of its citizens. Within this
framework, Articles 23 and 24 together form the Right Against Exploitation.
While Article 23 prohibits trafficking and forced labour, Article 24
specifically prohibits the employment of children in hazardous occupations. It
reflects the nation’s commitment to protecting its youngest citizens from
economic exploitation and physical harm, ensuring they receive the education
and care necessary for holistic growth.
Text of Article 24
"Prohibition of employment of children in factories,
etc.
No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any
factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment."
Key Features
1. Absolute
Nature – No exceptions are allowed in hazardous sectors.
2. Coverage –
Factories, mines, and any other occupation classified as hazardous by law.
3. Fundamental
Right – Directly enforceable in the Supreme Court or High Courts.
4. Protective
Scope – Aims to protect health, morals, and the right to
education.
Objectives
- Prevent
Economic Exploitation – Children should not be forced to work at the
cost of their health or education.
- Ensure
Education – Works in tandem with Article 21A (Right to
Education).
- Protect
Physical and Mental Health – Avoids long-term health
damage from dangerous work environments.
- Moral
Development – Allows children to grow in a safe and
nurturing atmosphere.
Supporting Legislation
- Child
Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 –
Banned child labour in certain hazardous jobs, regulated working
conditions in others.
- Child
Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 –
Expanded ban to all occupations for under-14s (except non-hazardous
family work and certain entertainment activities), prohibited adolescents
(14–18 years) in hazardous work.
- Right
to Education Act, 2009 – Provides free and compulsory education for
children aged 6–14, reinforcing Article 24.
Important Judgments
People’s
Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (1982)
o The Supreme
Court held that employing children below 14 in construction work for the Asiad
Games violated Article 24.
o It
reinforced that Fundamental Rights cannot be waived and are enforceable even
against private contractors.
M.C. Mehta
v. State of Tamil Nadu (1996)
o The Court
ordered the closure of hazardous industries employing children and directed the
creation of a Child Labour Rehabilitation Fund.
o It linked
Article 24 with Articles 39(e) and 39(f) of the Directive Principles.
Bandhua
Mukti Morcha v. Union of India (1984)
o Although
primarily on bonded labour, the Court stressed that child labour violates human
dignity and the right to live with dignity under Article 21, read with Article
24.
Unnikrishnan
J.P. v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1993)
o While
discussing the right to education, the Court connected the ban on hazardous
child labour to the need for compulsory education, strengthening Article 24’s
application.
Examples of Application
- Brick
Kilns in Uttar Pradesh – Labour department raids in 2018 rescued dozens
of under-14 children working without safety equipment, invoking Article
24.
- Firecracker
Factories in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu – Courts have repeatedly
intervened to stop illegal child labour in hazardous chemical-handling
units.
- Mining
Sector in Jharkhand – Article 24 was applied to remove children from
mica mines and enroll them in school rehabilitation programs.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Fines –
₹20,000–₹50,000 under the Child Labour laws.
- Imprisonment – 6
months to 2 years for employers.
- Authorities –
Labour inspectors, police, child welfare committees.
- Public
Interest Litigation (PIL) – Activists and NGOs often
approach courts under Article 32/226 to enforce Article 24.
Challenges
- Poverty-driven
child labour in informal sectors.
- Lack
of strict monitoring in rural areas.
- Cultural
normalization of children helping in work environments.
Conclusion
Article 24 of the Indian Constitution is more than just a
legal prohibition; it is a moral promise to safeguard the nation’s
future. Through landmark judgments and reinforced legislation, it aims to
eliminate hazardous child labour, promote education, and protect the dignity of
every child. However, for its vision to be realized, enforcement must be strengthened,
societal attitudes must shift, and economic support for vulnerable families
must be enhanced. Protecting children from dangerous work is not only a
constitutional duty—it is a measure of a nation’s humanity.
MCQs on Article 24 – Prohibition of Child Labour in Hazardous
Employment
Which part of the Indian
Constitution contains Article 24?
A) Part II – Citizenship
B) Part III – Fundamental Rights
C) Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy
D) Part IVA – Fundamental Duties
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 24 is placed under Part III of the Constitution,
which guarantees Fundamental Rights to all citizens.
What is the maximum age limit
mentioned in Article 24 for prohibition of employment in hazardous work?
A) 12 years
B) 14 years
C) 16 years
D) 18 years
Answer: B
Explanation: Children below the age of 14 years cannot be employed in
hazardous industries like factories or mines.
Article 24 prohibits the employment
of children in:
A) Only mines
B) Only factories
C) Factories, mines, and hazardous employment
D) All types of work without exception
Answer: C
Explanation: The scope of Article 24 includes all hazardous occupations
including factories and mines.
Which Act was amended in 2016 to
expand the ban on child labour?
A) Child Protection Act
B) Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
C) Juvenile Justice Act
D) Employment of Children Act
Answer: B
Explanation: The 2016 amendment expanded the prohibition and introduced
stricter penalties for violations.
Which Supreme Court case ordered
the creation of the Child Labour Rehabilitation Fund?
A) Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India
B) M.C. Mehta v. State of Tamil Nadu
C) Unnikrishnan J.P. v. State of Andhra Pradesh
D) People’s Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India
Answer: B
Explanation: The 1996 M.C. Mehta case laid guidelines to
rehabilitate child labourers and penalize violators.
Which article of the Constitution
guarantees the Right to Education, complementing Article 24?
A) Article 19
B) Article 21
C) Article 21A
D) Article 32
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 21A makes education a fundamental right for
children between 6 and 14 years, complementing Article 24’s ban on child
labour.
In People’s Union for Democratic
Rights v. Union of India (1982), the Supreme Court dealt with child labour
during which event?
A) 1982 Asian Games
B) 1983 Cricket World Cup
C) 1980 Summer Olympics
D) Commonwealth Games 2010
Answer: A
Explanation: The case addressed exploitation of children and workers
during construction projects for the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi.
Which international organization
sets conventions related to minimum age and worst forms of child labour?
A) UNESCO
B) ILO
C) UNICEF
D) WHO
Answer: B
Explanation: The International Labour Organization (ILO) sets
international labour standards, including Convention 138 and 182 on child
labour.
The Child Labour (Prohibition and
Regulation) Act was enacted in:
A) 1976
B) 1986
C) 1996
D) 2006
Answer: B
Explanation: Enacted in 1986, it prohibited hazardous child labour and
regulated non-hazardous work conditions.
Which constitutional provision
empowers citizens to approach the court if Article 24 is violated?
A) Article 32
B) Article 226
C) Both A and B
D) Article 20
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 32 allows petitions to the Supreme Court, and
Article 226 allows petitions to High Courts for enforcement of fundamental
rights.
Under Article 24, which term is
used for dangerous work environments for children?
A) Hazardous employment
B) Risky business
C) Unlawful employment
D) High-risk labour
Answer: A
Explanation: The term “hazardous employment” is used to describe
dangerous jobs prohibited for children under 14 years.
Which sector is not
considered hazardous under the Child Labour Act?
A) Mining
B) Construction of railways
C) Family-based handicrafts
D) Explosives manufacturing
Answer: C
Explanation: Family-based handicraft work is exempt under certain
conditions, provided it is non-hazardous.
The penalty for employing a child
in hazardous work after the 2016 amendment includes:
A) Fine only
B) Imprisonment only
C) Fine and imprisonment
D) Warning only
Answer: C
Explanation: Violators can face imprisonment between 6 months to 2 years
and/or a fine of ₹20,000 to ₹50,000.
Which fundamental right is closely
linked with Article 24 to prevent child labour?
A) Right to Equality
B) Right against Exploitation
C) Right to Freedom
D) Right to Property
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 24 is a part of the “Right against Exploitation”
along with Article 23.
Article 24 applies to:
A) Only Indian citizens
B) All persons in India
C) Only government employees
D) Only children of labourers
Answer: B
Explanation: Like most fundamental rights, Article 24 applies to all
persons within India, not just citizens.
Which case highlighted that
children must not be made to work in match factories near fire sources?
A) Unnikrishnan J.P. v. State of Andhra Pradesh
B) M.C. Mehta v. State of Tamil Nadu
C) Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India
D) People’s Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India
Answer: B
Explanation: The M.C. Mehta judgment prohibited such dangerous
employment for children.
Which ministry oversees enforcement
of child labour laws in India?
A) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
B) Ministry of Labour and Employment
C) Ministry of Women and Child Development
D) Ministry of Law and Justice
Answer: B
Explanation: The Ministry of Labour and Employment is the nodal agency
for child labour policy and enforcement.
The 2016 amendment allowed children
under 14 to work in:
A) Hazardous jobs
B) Family enterprises after school hours
C) Factories
D) Mines
Answer: B
Explanation: The law permits work in family enterprises after school
hours and during vacations, if non-hazardous.
Which constitutional article
relates to prohibition of “traffic in human beings” and “begar”?
A) Article 21
B) Article 23
C) Article 25
D) Article 19
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 23 prohibits trafficking and forced labour,
complementing Article 24’s ban on child labour.
What is the primary objective of
Article 24?
A) Promote sports for children
B) Ensure child employment
C) Protect children from exploitation in hazardous work
D) Reduce unemployment
Answer: C
Explanation: Its main purpose is to protect children from physical and
moral hazards associated with dangerous jobs.
Which constitutional remedy can be
sought directly from the Supreme Court for violation of Article 24?
A) Mandamus
B) Habeas corpus
C) Writ petition under Article 32
D) Special leave petition under Article 136
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 32 enables direct petitions to the Supreme Court
for enforcement of fundamental rights.
The Bandhua Mukti Morcha
case primarily dealt with:
A) Prohibition of child marriage
B) Bonded labour and exploitation of children
C) Environmental pollution
D) Illegal detention
Answer: B
Explanation: The case was a landmark in addressing bonded and child
labour conditions in stone quarries.
Which ILO Convention deals with the
“Worst Forms of Child Labour”?
A) Convention 138
B) Convention 182
C) Convention 105
D) Convention 29
Answer: B
Explanation: ILO Convention 182 addresses the elimination of the worst
forms of child labour, including hazardous work.
Which Indian state has been known
for strong action against child labour in carpet weaving?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Kerala
C) Gujarat
D) Punjab
Answer: A
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh has faced major issues with child labour in
carpet industries and has implemented rescue programs.
The term “child” in Article 24
refers to persons:
A) Below 15 years
B) Below 14 years
C) Below 18 years
D) Below 12 years
Answer: B
Explanation: The Constitution defines the limit as below 14 years for
hazardous work prohibition.
Which landmark judgment emphasized
compulsory education as a tool to curb child labour?
A) Unnikrishnan J.P. v. State of Andhra Pradesh
B) M.C. Mehta v. State of Tamil Nadu
C) Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan
D) Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar
Answer: A
Explanation: This case recognized the right to education as part of the
right to life under Article 21.
The Child Labour Act enforcement
mechanism includes:
A) Labour inspectors
B) Police only
C) Judiciary only
D) NGOs only
Answer: A
Explanation: Labour inspectors are appointed to monitor compliance with
the Act’s provisions.
Which body issues the National
Policy on Child Labour?
A) Supreme Court
B) Ministry of Labour and Employment
C) Parliament
D) UNICEF
Answer: B
Explanation: The ministry formulates and implements national policy to
eliminate child labour.
Which year saw the first National
Policy on Child Labour in India?
A) 1976
B) 1987
C) 1996
D) 2001
Answer: B
Explanation: The 1987 policy aimed at rehabilitation of children
withdrawn from hazardous occupations.
What is the punishment for parents
under the 2016 amendment if they allow hazardous work?
A) Fine only
B) Imprisonment
C) No punishment for first offence
D) Death penalty
Answer: C
Explanation: First-time offences by parents are exempted from punishment
to avoid undue hardship.
Which constitutional article is
known as the “heart and soul” for enforcement of fundamental rights?
A) Article 14
B) Article 32
C) Article 24
D) Article 226
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 32, termed by Dr. Ambedkar as the “heart and soul”
of the Constitution, allows enforcement of rights like Article 24.
Which type of employment is allowed
for children under 14 according to law?
A) Construction site work
B) Mining work
C) Helping in family shop after school
D) Working in fireworks factories
Answer: C
Explanation: The law permits assistance in family enterprises after
school hours if non-hazardous.
Which constitutional principle does
Article 24 uphold?
A) Social justice
B) Economic development
C) Secularism
D) Federalism
Answer: A
Explanation: By preventing exploitation of children, Article 24 promotes
social justice.
The Right against Exploitation is
covered under which Articles?
A) 19 and 20
B) 21 and 22
C) 23 and 24
D) 25 and 26
Answer: C
Explanation: Articles 23 and 24 together form the Right against
Exploitation.
The prohibition in Article 24
applies to work:
A) Involving moral danger
B) Involving physical danger
C) Involving health risks
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: The ban covers work posing physical, moral, and health
hazards to children.
Which body in India monitors child
labour elimination progress?
A) National Child Labour Project (NCLP)
B) Supreme Court
C) State High Courts
D) NHRC
Answer: A
Explanation: NCLP runs special schools for rescued children and tracks
rehabilitation.
Which year saw the inclusion of
Article 21A for Right to Education?
A) 1976
B) 1986
C) 2002
D) 2010
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 21A was inserted by the 86th Constitutional
Amendment in 2002.
In which list of the Seventh
Schedule is labour law placed?
A) Union List
B) State List
C) Concurrent List
D) Not listed
Answer: C
Explanation: Labour laws are in the Concurrent List, allowing both
Centre and States to legislate.
The term “hazardous occupations” is
notified by:
A) Parliament
B) Supreme Court
C) Ministry of Labour and Employment
D) President of India
Answer: C
Explanation: The ministry periodically updates the schedule of hazardous
occupations.
Which article ensures that no child
under 14 years is employed in factories or mines?
A) Article 23
B) Article 24
C) Article 25
D) Article 21A
Answer: B
Explanation: This is the direct language of Article 24.
Who can file a petition in case of
violation of Article 24?
A) The affected child only
B) Parents only
C) Any citizen
D) Labour inspectors only
Answer: C
Explanation: Any citizen can approach courts under public interest
litigation to enforce Article 24.
Which of the following is an
example of hazardous work prohibited for children?
A) Selling flowers at home
B) Working in chemical plants
C) Helping in a family tea shop
D) Assisting in homework
Answer: B
Explanation: Chemical plant work is high-risk and falls under hazardous
occupations.
The Supreme Court in Hussainara
Khatoon v. State of Bihar indirectly linked child labour to:
A) Right to speedy trial
B) Poverty and lack of education
C) Prison reforms
D) Voting rights
Answer: B
Explanation: The case emphasized that poverty and illiteracy drive child
labour.
Which UN agency focuses on
children’s welfare and indirectly supports elimination of child labour?
A) WHO
B) UNICEF
C) UNDP
D) UNESCO
Answer: B
Explanation: UNICEF runs programs to improve child welfare, indirectly
reducing child labour.
Which factor is not a cause
of child labour?
A) Poverty
B) Lack of education
C) Social customs
D) High wages for children
Answer: D
Explanation: Low wages, not high wages, drive employers to hire
children.
Which constitutional value is
strengthened by banning child labour?
A) Liberty
B) Equality
C) Fraternity
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: It promotes liberty, equality, and fraternity by protecting
vulnerable groups.
The 1986 Child Labour Act initially
prohibited how many hazardous occupations?
A) 10
B) 18
C) 25
D) 32
Answer: B
Explanation: Initially, 18 occupations were listed as hazardous for
children.
Which constitutional amendment
linked Article 24 more strongly with education rights?
A) 42nd
B) 73rd
C) 86th
D) 44th
Answer: C
Explanation: The 86th Amendment introduced Article 21A, strengthening
the link between education and child labour prohibition.
Which High Court has given strong
judgments on child labour in zari industries?
A) Bombay High Court
B) Delhi High Court
C) Madras High Court
D) Allahabad High Court
Answer: B
Explanation: Delhi High Court has addressed child labour in zari and
embroidery sectors.
Which schedule of the Child Labour
Act lists hazardous occupations?
A) First Schedule
B) Second Schedule
C) Third Schedule
D) Fourth Schedule
Answer: A
Explanation: The First Schedule contains the list of hazardous
occupations prohibited for children.
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