In a significant ruling aimed at protecting vulnerable children, the Madras High Court on Thursday directed authorities to immediately rescue children found begging on the streets and place them in protection centres within 24 hours.
The order comes amid growing concerns over children being seen begging across metropolitan areas such as Chennai, including on roads, at bus stations and inside trains. Women begging with infants are a common sight, but allegations have long persisted that children are being kidnapped or drugged and forced into begging rackets.
The directions were issued while hearing a petition filed by Chennai-based lawyer Tamilvendhan, who sought a thorough investigation into whether women begging with children on city roads are their biological mothers. In his plea, the petitioner raised serious doubts about the identity and safety of the children used for begging.
Tamilvendhan pointed out that in many cases there is no physical resemblance between the women and the children they carry. He further alleged that the children are often found asleep continuously, unaffected by sunlight, traffic noise or other disturbances. “This raises suspicion that children may be administered sleeping pills, alcohol or other drugs,” the petition stated. He also noted that many of the women begging with children do not speak Tamil, further intensifying concerns about organised trafficking.
The petition sought directions to the police to investigate whether children are being kidnapped and exploited through forced begging.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice M.M. Srivastava and Justice G. Arulmurugan ordered that whenever children are found begging, they must be rescued immediately and shifted to a protection centre within 24 hours. The bench clarified that verification of the children’s parents and further investigation can be carried out subsequently.
Observing the seriousness of the issue, the judges suggested the formation of flying squads in all districts to rescue children involved in begging. “Many parents are earning money using their children. Cases are being registered across India regarding the use of children in narcotics-related activities,” the bench noted.
The court also expressed concern over inadequate enforcement of existing laws. “In 90 per cent of cases, action is taken only after court orders. The government is not fully implementing the law,” the judges observed, adding that authorities can verify parentage through birth certificates.
The bench adjourned the hearing after directing that the state Social Welfare Department be impleaded as a party to the case.
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