Landmark Cases on Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23 & 24)

The following landmark judgments explain the scope of the Right Against Exploitation under Articles 23 and 24 of the Constitution of India. These cases deal with forced labour, child labour, hazardous employment, and the constitutional protection against exploitation.

1. Deena v. Union of India (AIR 1983 SC 1155)

Held: Supreme Court held that labour taken from prisoners without paying proper remuneration is violative of Article 23.

2. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (AIR 1997 SC 699)

Held: Supreme Court held that children below the age of 14 years cannot be employed in any hazardous industry, mines or other works. The court laid down guidelines to protect economic, social and humanitarian rights of children.

3. People's Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (AIR 1982 SC 1943)

Held: Supreme Court held that a person who provides labour or service to another for less than minimum wage also amounts to forced labour.

4. People's Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (AIR 1982 SC 1943)

Held: Supreme Court held that construction work is a dangerous work and employment of children in construction industry amounts to violation of Article 24.