The Patna High Court directed the State of Bihar to urgently respond to serious allegations concerning the trafficking and exploitation of minor children under the guise of orchestra/dance/theatre groups. The case, CWJC No. 9293 of 2025, was filed by two public interest organizations Just Rights For Children Alliance and the Association For Voluntary Action (AVA).
The petitioners, represented by Senior Advocate Mr. Sanjay Singh, highlighted the alarming trend in which minor children are being trafficked and exploited in the name of entertainment. The plea sought the formulation of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder State-wide Action Plan to regulate, register, and monitor such performance groups to prevent child exploitation.
The Division Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Partha Sarthy, found merit in the urgency and seriousness of the issue and allowed the prayer to be incorporated into the main petition. The Court acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns raised, observing that unchecked exploitation would frustrate child protection policies.
The State has been directed to file its response before the next hearing scheduled for 25th July 2025. Additionally, the Court emphasized that immediate remedial action must be taken if any instance of child trafficking is discovered in these groups. Women and Child Development Corporation has also been asked to submit a written reply.
Appearance :
For the Petitioner/s : Mr. Sanjay Singh, Sr. Advocate, Mr. Vatsal Verma, Advocate
For the Respondent/s : Mr. P.K. Shahi, Advocate General, Mr. Vikash Kumar, AC to AG
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