The Patna High Court has directed the Bihar government to take immediate action against the trafficking and exploitation of children employed in orchestra, dance, and theatre groups.

The order was passed by a Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Partha Sarthy, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the NGO Just Rights For Children Alliance.

The PIL alleged that children are being trafficked and subjected to exploitation under the pretext of being engaged in performing groups. The petitioner urged the Court to direct the government to devise a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder strategy and formulate a Statewide action plan for the registration, regulation, and monitoring of such groups.

Appearing for the NGO, Senior Advocate Sanjay Singh submitted that the absence of effective regulation not only enables trafficking but also defeats the core objectives of child protection laws.

Taking note of the concerns, the Court sought a response from the State government and issued notice. Advocate General PK Shahi and Advocate Vikash Kumar appeared on behalf of the State.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on July 25.

 

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