Punjab Child Rights panel orders action against Ludhiana factory owner over ‘Taliban-style’ punishment

The Chairman of the Punjab State Child Rights Protection Commission, Kanwardeep Singh, has taken suo-motu notice of the Taliban-style punishment incident in Ludhiana.

As per the news received through electronic media, a clothing factory owner in Ludhiana subjected a mother and her three daughters to public humiliation by parading them with their faces blackened and a sign reading "I am a thief" as a punishment for the alleged theft. This act is a serious violation of children's rights.

In light of the gravity of the matter, the Chairman has directed the Police Commissioner of Ludhiana to immediately register a case under Sections 75 and 79 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, along with relevant sections of the Child Labour (Prevention and Regulation) Act, 1986, and the Indian Penal Code, 2023.

The Chairman has ordered strict action against the accused and has instructed the Police Commissioner to submit a report on the actions taken by January 23, 2025.

The Chairman also issued instructions to the Police Commissioner to take stringent action against individuals circulating photographs of the children, in accordance with Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015.

Moreover, the Chairman has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana to take the necessary actions under the Child Labour (Prevention and Regulation) Act, 1986, against the factory owner and others involved. The Deputy Commissioner is also instructed to inform the Commission about the actions taken within seven days.