Patna, June 29, 2025 – In a significant development aimed at protecting vulnerable children from abuse and trafficking, the Patna High Court has issued a notice to the Bihar government in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) demanding a complete ban on the employment of minors in orchestra and dance groups across the state.
The petition, filed by a concerned citizen, raises alarm over the growing incidents of child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and illegal employment of underage boys and girls in entertainment troupes that perform across Bihar, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
High Court Takes Cognizance
A division bench of the Patna High Court, after hearing the initial arguments, acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, especially in light of increasing reports of children being trafficked under the guise of performers in orchestra parties.
The court has directed the Bihar government to submit its official stance on the matter and detail any existing regulatory measures for these groups. The next hearing is expected in the coming weeks.
“This is not merely a labour issue—it’s a matter of protecting children from sexual exploitation, trafficking, and irreversible harm,” observed the bench during the hearing.
The Dark Reality Behind Orchestra Performances
Over the years, orchestra and dance groups have become a common feature in local festivals, weddings, and public events in many districts of Bihar. While intended for entertainment, several such groups operate under minimal oversight, often recruiting children as dancers or support staff.
Activists argue that these children, many of them girls, are exposed to hazardous environments, forced to perform late into the night, and frequently abused physically and mentally.
“Many families are lured by false promises of money and fame. In reality, children end up being trapped in cycles of exploitation,” said a social worker based in Muzaffarpur.
A Grim Snapshot
According to unofficial estimates by child rights NGOs:
- Dozens of underage girls are recruited into orchestra groups every month.
- Many are trafficked from impoverished regions within Bihar or neighbouring states.
- These children often face harassment, low pay, and lack of basic rights.
- There is no formal registration or regulation for most orchestra groups operating at the local level.
Existing Laws, Gaps in Enforcement
India’s Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 bans employment of children under 14 years in any occupation and prohibits adolescents (14–18 years) from working in hazardous conditions. Additionally, laws under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) and Juvenile Justice Act are applicable where abuse or trafficking is involved.
However, the petition points out a serious lack of enforcement in the context of orchestra parties. These performances often fall into grey areas, with authorities turning a blind eye due to the informal nature of these setups or local political influences.
Petitioner Seeks Concrete Action
The PIL has demanded that the Bihar government:
- Enact clear policies prohibiting the participation of minors in orchestra or commercial dance troupes.
- Ensure mandatory registration and regulation of all performance groups.
- Set up a state-level monitoring committee with child rights experts and law enforcement.
- Launch awareness campaigns for parents in rural and tribal areas.
- Increase rescue operations and rehabilitation support for affected children.
What the Experts Say
Legal and child welfare experts have welcomed the court’s move, calling it a long overdue intervention.
“The use of children in such entertainment forms, under exploitative conditions, is a blatant human rights violation. It’s high time state governments take this seriously,” said Ritika Singh, a Patna-based lawyer and child rights advocate.
The Bihar government is now expected to file a detailed response outlining the current framework (if any) and whether it plans to implement any new regulations to address the concern.
With this court notice, the spotlight is now firmly on an issue that has for too long operated in the shadows—where children, often unseen and unheard, are forced to perform not out of passion, but out of poverty and coercion.
As the legal process unfolds, activists hope that this moment leads to concrete reforms that put an end to the silent exploitation of minors hiding behind stage lights and music.
