Mumbai: Human Rights Commission Orders Ex Parte Proceedings Against MCGM Over Alleged Child Labour In Hazardous Work

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has ordered ex parte proceedings against the Municipal Commissioner of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) in connection with alleged child labor involved in cleaning hazardous work such as gutters and nallahs in Mumbai’s Wadala area. The commission took suo motu cognizance of a news report alleging that children were seen performing such work and named the victims as 'three child labourers'.

During the hearing, Datta Mohite, Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mumbai, submitted a report stating that the hazardous work of cleaning gutters and nallahs in Wadala area was being carried out by a contractor hired by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. His report revealed that the employment of children in such work is widespread and several children were found working during five raids conducted by his department with the help of police and NGOs.

Mohite also mentioned that he had already filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Wadala Police Station, leading to the registration of crime no. 262/2026.

The MSHRC expressed its dissatisfaction with the MCGM's failure to file a reply, noting that if the allegations are found to be correct, the Principal Employer, i.e., the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, would be responsible and liable for the offense of employing children in hazardous employment. However, the civic body has not filed any response, leading the commission to direct the proceedings to proceed ex parte against the Municipal Commissioner of MCGM.

Additionally, the Commission directed the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, to submit a report on whether the police had treated the officers of the MCGM, as the principal employer, as accused during their investigation into Crime No. 262/2026. The matter has been adjourned to October 28, 2026.