Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986

Applies to

All employers. Prohibits employing any child (under 14) in any occupation or process, and adolescents (14–18) in hazardous occupations / processes. Not subsumed by the labour codes — remains standalone law; a BRSR Principle 5 (human rights) and supply-chain due-diligence touchpoint.

Key points

• Children under 14 barred from all occupations/processes (limited family-enterprise / entertainment exceptions); adolescents 14–18 barred from hazardous work.
• 2016 amendment renamed the Act ('Child and Adolescent…') and linked it to the Right to Education Act.
• Not subsumed by the labour codes — remains in force; a BRSR Principle 5 and supply-chain due-diligence touchpoint.

Applicability triggers

• Any employer / workplace (the prohibition is universal)
• Hazardous occupations / processes (adolescent prohibition)

Practitioner questions

• Does our supply-chain due diligence cover the adolescent-in-hazardous-process prohibition?
• How do we evidence child-labour-free operations for BRSR Principle 5 and buyer audits?

Sources

• Child & Adolescent Labour Act 1986 (India Code)
• Ministry of Labour & Employment