Supreme Court issues notices to Centre on PIL seeking ban on employment of children in orchestras, spas
The Supreme Court has requested responses from the Centre and child rights organizations regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that seeks to ban the employment of children in various entertainment and wellness sectors. The petition highlights serious concerns about child trafficking and exploitation in these industries, particularly in orchestras and spas. The court's action aims to address the enforcement gaps in existing child labor laws that currently allow for the regulation rather than prohibition of such employment.
- ▪The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and child rights bodies on a PIL seeking a ban on child employment in orchestras and spas.
- ▪The petition claims that these sectors are often fronts for organized trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors.
- ▪Data from rescue operations indicated that many minors were lured into these jobs with false promises and faced exploitation.
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The Supreme Court on Monday (May 25, 2026) sought responses from the Centre, child rights body NCPCR, and the NHRC on a PIL seeking an absolute ban on the employment of children and adolescents in orchestras, dance troupes, massage parlours, and spas.A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi took note of the submissions of senior advocate H.S. Phoolka, appearing for child rights collective ‘Just Rights for Children Alliance’ (JRCA), and issued the notices to Union Ministries of Labour and Law and Justice.Mr. Phoolka argued that minor girls aged 10 and 11 years were being employed in orchestras and dance bars. “For spas and massage parlours, some states have made rules of 18 years as the minimum age,” he said.
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