The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986:
- Children below 14: may not work in any occupation or process. The exceptions are helping the family or a family enterprise after school hours and during holidays in non-hazardous work, and child artistes under the conditions laid down.
- Adolescents (14–18): may not work in the hazardous occupations and processes in the Schedule, such as mines, inflammable substances and hazardous processes under the factories law.
- Penalty: imprisonment of 6 months to 2 years and a fine of ₹20,000 to ₹50,000, or both. Penalties are higher for repeat offences.
Keep age proof for every young worker. The HR desk records the date of birth and will not accept a joining date before it.
Last reviewed 17-10-2026. General information, not legal advice for a specific case. Check the latest Act, Rules and notifications of the appropriate government before acting.