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The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976

Central

An Act to provide for the abolition of bonded labour system with a view to preventing the economic and physical exploitation of the weaker sections of the people and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Act number
19 of 1976
Ministry
Ministry of Labour and Employment
Enacted
9 Feb 1976

Source: IndiaCode Portal, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. Open on India Code Check against the official text before relying on it.

27 sections

  1. Section 1Short title, extent and commencement.
  2. Section 2Definitions.
  3. Section 3Act to have overriding effect.
  4. Section 4Abolition of bonded labour system.
  5. Section 5Agreement, custom, etc., to be void.
  6. Section 6Liability to repay bonded debt to stand extinguished.
  7. Section 7Property of bonded labourer to be freed from mortgage, etc.
  8. Section 8Freed bonded labourer not to be evicted from homestead, etc.
  9. Section 9Creditor not to accept payment against extinguished debt.
  10. Section 10Authorities who may be specified for implementing the provisions of this Act.
  11. Section 11Duty of District Magistrate and other officers to ensure credit.
  12. Section 12Duty of District Magistrate and officers authorised by him.
  13. Section 13Vigilance Committees.
  14. Section 14Functions of Vigilance Committees.
  15. Section 15Burden of proof.
  16. Section 16Punishment for enforcement of bonded labour.
  17. Section 17Punishment for advancement of bonded debt.
  18. Section 18Punishment for extracting bonded labour under the bonded labour system.
  19. Section 19Punishment for omission or failure to restore possession of property to bonded labourers.
  20. Section 20Abetment to be an offence.
  21. Section 21Offences to be tried by Executive Magistrates.
  22. Section 22Cognizance of offences.
  23. Section 23Offences by companies.
  24. Section 24Protection of action taken in good faith.
  25. Section 25Jurisdiction of civil courts barred.
  26. Section 26Power to make rules.
  27. Section 27Repeal and saving.