SUPREME COURT NOTICE TO CENTRE ON PLEA AGAINST CHILD TRAFFICKING IN WAKE OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

To prevent  the cases of child trafficking which have suddenly increased  in the wake of lockdown imposed to curb COVID-19 pandemic the Supreme Court today i.e. on June 8 issued notice to the centre and state government .

The Bench of CJI SA Bobde and Justices AS Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy asked response from National Disaster Management Authority on a PIL filed by NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan which highlights hikes in number of child trafficking  and asks government to take preventive measures and also ensure the rescue and rehab of the affected children.

The Bench told senior Adv HS Phoolka representing the petitioner, that trafficking was earlier done to use children as cheap labours. The issue exists because there is a market for child labours said the bench. The petitioner claimed that traffickers have become active in various parts of country and are finding out poor families and are encouraging them to sell their children for purpose of labour work and sexual exploitation.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the centre said he would sit with Phoolka and will combine suggestions to take effective measures.

The court has set aside the matter for consideration after two weeks.

By Ritika Negi of LCD