The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to immediately begin the recovery process for unpaid wages owed to three rescued minor girls who were allegedly employed as child labourers. The court also asked the Delhi Police to help trace the employers, who were stated to be untraceable.
Justice Sachin Datta passed the order while hearing a petition filed by the mothers of the rescued children.
Background of the Case
According to the petition, the three girls were rescued during a child labour raid conducted on May 9, 2023. The following day, the office of the Joint Labour Commissioner assessed the back wages payable to the children by their employers. However, despite registration of an FIR under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Child and Adolescent Labour Act, the employers allegedly failed to deposit the dues.
The petitioners told the court that repeated representations to labour authorities and the SDM did not lead to recovery of the amount, forcing them to approach the High Court.
Court’s Observations
The court referred to earlier Delhi High Court judgments, including Kaum Faqeer Shah vs. Ministry of Labour and Employment and Walter Kerketta vs. SDM, South-East District, which laid down timelines and procedures for recovering wages from employers in child labour cases.
Justice Datta observed that recovery certificates must be issued and the unpaid wages should be recovered as arrears of land revenue through the concerned SDM.
“The recovery certificate shall be issued by the concerned authorities and back-wages shall be recovered as arrears of land revenue by the concerned SDM,” the bench stated.
The court also noted that the employers appeared to be untraceable and directed the SDM to coordinate with police authorities to locate them.
Court’s Decision
Allowing the petition, the High Court directed the authorities to take immediate steps to recover the unpaid wages. The Delhi Police was asked to “pro-actively investigate” and assist in tracing the employers.
The court expressed hope that the recovery process would be completed preferably within three months and listed the matter for compliance on October 28, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: Tarannum Begum & Ors. vs GNCTD & Ors.
Case Number: W.P.(C) 14656/2024
Judge: Justice Sachin Datta
Decision Date: May 19, 2026
