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.
Every child aged 6–14 has a legal right to free, compulsory education in a neighbourhood school.
Mandatory reporting, child-friendly procedures, and in-camera trials for any sexual offence against a child.
Employing children under 14 in any work, and 14–18 year-olds in hazardous work, is banned and punishable.
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.
Click a scenario to see the law, the exact steps, and who to call.
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.
Free, 24x7, all-India helpline for any child in distress.
NCPCR's online complaint mechanism for children.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The precedents behind the plain-language explanations above.
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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.