Children's Rights
Indian law treats children as a specially protected class — from free education to protection against abuse and labour, backed by a justice system built around rehabilitation, not punishment.
Right to free education (Art. 21A + RTE)
Every child aged 6–14 has a legal right to free, compulsory education in a neighbourhood school.
Zero tolerance for child sexual abuse (POCSO)
Mandatory reporting, child-friendly procedures, and in-camera trials for any sexual offence against a child.
Protection from child labour
Employing children under 14 in any work, and 14–18 year-olds in hazardous work, is banned and punishable.
Juvenile justice, not adult punishment
Children in conflict with the law go through Juvenile Justice Boards focused on rehabilitation, with narrow exceptions for heinous crimes by 16–18 year-olds.
What actually happens, and what to do
Click a scenario to see the law, the exact steps, and who to call.
01
A child I know is being abused
Physical, sexual, or other abuse of a child, whether at home, school, or elsewhere.
The POCSO Act, 2012 makes reporting suspected child sexual abuse mandatory for anyone who becomes aware of it — failing to report is itself an offence. Statements are recorded by police in plain clothes (not uniform), preferably by a woman officer, at the child's residence or a place of their choice.
- Report immediately via Childline 1098 (24x7, free, all-India) or the POCSO e-Box, an online complaint mechanism for children run by NCPCR.
- File a police complaint — once you have knowledge, reporting is mandatory, not optional.
- The local Child Welfare Committee (CWC) handles the child's care and protection needs alongside any criminal case.
Childline
Free, 24x7, all-India helpline for any child in distress.
POCSO e-Box
NCPCR's online complaint mechanism for children.
02
A child is being made to work, or a teen is in hazardous work
Employment of a child under 14 in any occupation, or a 14–18 year-old in dangerous conditions.
The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (amended 2016) bans employing children under 14 in any occupation, and 14–18 year-olds in hazardous occupations listed under the Act — with limited exceptions for family enterprises and the entertainment/sports sector, subject to conditions.
- Report to Childline 1098 or the local Labour Department/District Child Protection Officer.
- File a police complaint if the employer refuses to stop.
03
My child was denied admission despite RTE eligibility
A private or government school refusing admission to an eligible child.
The RTE Act mandates 25% reservation in private unaided schools for children from disadvantaged/economically weaker sections, and free education until age 14 in government schools.
- Approach the School Management Committee/District Education Officer with proof of eligibility.
- File a complaint with the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) if refused.
04
A minor has been detained or is in conflict with the law
A child accused of an offence must be handled very differently from an adult.
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 requires a child to be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, not a regular criminal court, focused on counselling and rehabilitation. For heinous offences by 16–18 year-olds, the Board can, after assessment, refer the case for trial as an adult only in exceptional circumstances.
- Ensure the child is produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, never held together with adult undertrials.
- Contact the District Child Protection Officer or free legal aid for representation immediately.
The legal basis, in plain terms
Key provisions that apply here
Free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14.
Protection from sexual offences, with mandatory reporting for anyone with knowledge.
Bans child labour under 14; bans hazardous work for 14–18 year-olds.
Rehabilitation-focused justice system for children in conflict with the law.
Court rulings that shaped this right
The precedents behind the plain-language explanations above.
Quick answers
Is reporting child abuse legally mandatory, or optional?
What exactly is Childline 1098?
Can a 16-year-old really be tried as an adult?
Does the Right to Education apply to private schools too?
Can a child be a witness in their own abuse case without facing the accused directly?
Is corporal punishment in schools legal?
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Ask AdhikarThis page explains general Indian law for information purposes and is not legal advice. Laws, portal names, fees and helpline numbers change — please verify current details on the official government website linked above before taking action, and consult a qualified advocate for advice on your specific case.