Patna HC Seeks Urgent Bihar-Wide Action Plan To Curb Child Trafficking In Orchestra And Dance Groups
Taking serious note of allegations that minor children are being trafficked and exploited under the guise of performing in orchestra, dance, and theatre groups across Bihar, the Patna High Court has directed the State government to urgently formulate a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder action plan to regulate and monitor such groups.
The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Partha Sarthy passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Just Rights for Children Alliance and Association for Voluntary Action.
The petitioners alleged rampant child trafficking and exploitation under the pretext of performing arts across the state.
"Considering the overall perspective... we find such request to be genuine," the Bench observed, allowing an additional prayer in the petition for a directive to the State to act.
"It is also expected from the State to take immediate action in case any such trafficking is reported in any of the orchestra/dance/theater groups running in the State of Bihar," the Court emphasized.
The Bench also directed the Women and Child Development Corporation (Respondent No. 9) to file a written response and instructed the State to respond to the petition "with such immediacy as is required."
The petitioners were represented by Senior Advocate Sanjay Singh and Advocate Vatsal Verma, who urged the Court to direct the government to devise a coordinated and time-bound response to the growing concern.
Additionally, Advocate Vikash Kumar was asked by the Court to ensure that Respondent No. 9, identified as the Women and Child Development Corporation, is informed and files a written response before the next hearing.
The matter will now be heard again on July 25, 2025.
Case Title: Just Rights for Children Alliance & Anr. v. State of Bihar & Ors.