‘Must protect from abuse’: No court relief for Bengal couple who ‘hired’ child as house help

The Calcutta High Court has denied a married couple the right to challenge a case against them for allegedly exploiting a 15-year-old girl as domestic help. The decision was made after the court observed that protecting children from exploitation and preventing misuse of criminal law against innocent individuals are both crucial in a constitutional democracy.

The case involves the rescue of the minor from the couple's flat on November 30, 2022, by a Childline team, which found her inside the residence. The prosecution alleged that she was being forced to perform household chores and care for the couple's children for a monthly payment of Rs 1,500. The couple denied the allegations, arguing that the girl was provided with food, shelter, and accommodation out of kindness and charity, and that any money given to her was voluntary assistance.

The court, however, stated that the question of whether the arrangement constituted charity or illegal child labour was unclear and could not be resolved at this preliminary stage, as conflicting statements from the girl were presented.