Legal reforms for the eradication of Bonded Labour

Bonded labour remains one of the most persistent forms of modern slavery, affecting vulnerable populations through debt, coercion, caste discrimination, poverty, and lack of access to justice. Despite constitutional guarantees and statutory protections, the practice continues in many sectors such as agriculture, mining, brick kilns, domestic work, and informal industries. In India, the legal framework against bonded labour is primarily governed by the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, alongside constitutional provisions under Articles 21, 23, and 24. However, weak enforcement, inadequate rehabilitation measures, poor identification of victims, and limited accountability mechanisms have reduced the effectiveness of existing laws.