Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986 with Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Rules 1988 [Bare Act with Section Notes] by Taxmann provides a comprehensive and up-to-date rendition of India's principal legislation governing the prohibition and regulation of child and adolescent labour. Presented as a bare act with meticulously organised section notes, it encapsulates the original legal text alongside expert commentary, making it an essential tool for anyone seeking clarity on the law. This legislation has undergone significant amendments and updates, most notably through the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act 2016 and subsequent rules. The 2026 Edition brings together these developments, offering a consolidated reference that is current, authoritative, and user-friendly. The inclusion of commentary and notes at the end of each section helps readers gain a nuanced understanding of the Act's provisions and the various obligations placed on different stakeholders.

This book is intended for the following audience:

• Legal Professionals – Lawyers, judges, legal advisors, and in-house counsel who require a reliable statutory reference for litigation, advisory work, or policy formulation
• HR & Compliance Officers – Organisations keen on ensuring their labour practices comply with statutory requirements will find clarity on permitted and prohibited activities, as well as punishments for contravention
• Academics & Students – Professors, researchers, and students of law and social sciences will benefit from having a well-annotated version of the Act and Rules for research and coursework
• NGOs & Child Rights Activists – Professionals and activists working for the welfare of children and adolescents, requiring a quick yet detailed reference to the relevant statutory protections and penalties
• Government Departments & Enforcement Agencies – Officials tasked with implementing child labour laws can use this text to understand the scope of their powers, duties, and responsibilities

The Present Publication is the 2026 Edition, covering the amended and updated text of the Child and Adolescent Labour Act [Act No. 61 of 1986] and Rules, with the following noteworthy features:

• [Complete & Updated Statutory Text] Covers all amendments brought in through the 2016 reforms and subsequent notifications affecting child and adolescent labour regulation
• [Pre-amendment Provisions] Incorporates the text of provisions as they existed prior to the amendment in the respective amendment footnotes, enabling the reader to understand the legal position before the amendment and its applicability during the pre-amendment period
• [Section Notes for Clear Interpretation] Short, crisp, and authoritative explanations appear below each provision to assist practitioners, administrators, and students
• [Detailed Coverage of Prohibitions] Includes exhaustive lists of hazardous occupations/processes where employment of adolescents is prohibited and children cannot assist, as outlined in Part A & Part B of the Schedule
• [Compliance-focused Structure] Provisions relating to working hours, weekly holidays, maintenance of registers, display of notices, age certification, health & safety conditions, and enforcement mechanisms are systematically explained.
• [Rehabilitation & Enforcement Mechanisms] Covers Child & Adolescent Labour Rehabilitation Fund, compounding of offences, rescue procedures, monitoring frameworks, and the roles/duties of District Magistrates and Inspectors.
• [Inclusion of the 1988 Rules] Fully updated Rules with recent amendments (including Rules 2A–2C, 15A, 16A, 17A–17E), providing operational clarity on awareness, family enterprises, artistic work, inspections, and administrative responsibilities

The structure of the book is as follows:

• Act Text – Each Part and Section appears in original statutory format, and relevant amendments are reflected through footnotes
• Section Notes – Presented immediately after each statutory provision. They provide explanations, highlights, applicability, exceptions, and references to the Rules
• Case Law References – Key judicial interpretations are included under relevant sections
• Schedules & Appendices – Hazardous processes and prohibited occupations categorised clearly
• Rules with Clauses & Sub-Rules – Printed in full with updated amendments. The Forms are appended for ready compliance
• Subject Index – Alphabetically arranged for instant navigation