Allahabad HC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance Of Plight Of Minor Girls Forced To Trade Bodies During Lockdown In UP's Chitrakoot [Read Order]

The bench comprised of Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh has issued notices to the District Magistrate and Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Chitrakoot, based on a letter petition sent by Supreme Court Advocate Dr. Abhishek Atrey.

Dr. Atrey had written to the Chief Justice based on certain news reports that minor girls from poor tribal families in Chitrakoot were forced to work in illegal mines for their survival during the lockdown.

As reported by India Today, minor girls from poor tribal families are forced to work in illegal mines for survival but the contractors and middlemen don't pay their wages easily. These girls are forced to trade off their bodies in exchange for their meager wages.

Considering the "seriousness" of allegations leveled, including violation of provisions of Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, the Court has asked the District Magistrate and DLSA, Chitrakoot, to inquire into the entire matter and submit their separate reports by July 28, 2020.

Case Details:

Case Title: Suo Moto v. State of UP

Case No.: PIL No. 722/2020

Quorum: Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh

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