Section 10 of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986:- Disputes as to age —
If any question arises between an Inspector and an occupier as to the age of any child who is employed or is permitted to work by him in an establishment, the question shall, in the absence of a certificate as to the age of such child granted by the prescribed medical authority, be referred by the Inspector for decision to the prescribed medical authority.
Section 10 of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 deals with disputes as to age. The section lays down the procedure for determination of the age of a child who is employed in any occupation covered under the Act.
If there is any dispute regarding the age of a child, the matter shall be referred to the appropriate medical board constituted by the state government. The medical board shall then conduct a medical examination of the child and issue a certificate of age.
If the age certificate issued by the medical board shows that the child is below the age of 14 years, then the child shall be deemed to be a child and the provisions of the Act shall apply accordingly. In case the age certificate shows that the child is above the age of 14 years, then the provisions of the Act shall not apply.
This section is crucial to ensure that the provisions of the Act are not misused and children are not employed in hazardous occupations or at an age that is not suitable for work. The procedure for determination of age through a medical board ensures that disputes regarding the age of the child are resolved in an objective and fair manner.
