There many provisions in the constitution that are directly or indirectly related to the protection and development of children.
(i) Art 15- prohibits discrimination by the state on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. However this does not prevent the state from making any special provision for women and children.
(ii) Art 24- prohibition of employment of children in Hazardous jobs: No child below the age of 14 years shall be employed to work in any factory or mining or engaged in any other hazardous employment.
This provision is in the interest of public health and safety of the lives of children. In M.C. Mehta vs state of Tamil Nadu case, the supreme court held that the state authorities should protect economic social and humanitarian rights of millions of children, working illegally in public and private sector.
(iii) Art 23- This prohibits traffic in human being and forced labour. It is an open fact that many children work as forced labour in different sectors.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
(iv) Art 39(c)- tells that health and strength of workers and the tender age of children must not be abused.
(v) Art 45- provision for free and compulsory education for children up to the age of 14 years.