The Patna High Court has sought a response from the Bihar government in a petition alleging that minor children are being trafficked and exploited under the guise of running orchestra and dance groups in the state.

The plea, filed by the Just Rights For Children Alliance, claimed that such activities are a violation of child protection laws and policies. “This is impermissible and, if allowed to be continued unchecked, would only lead to frustration with the very policy for protecting children,” the Alliance said in its petition.

The petition has requested the court to direct the State to formulate a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder strategy and a State-wide Action Plan for the regulation, registration, and monitoring of orchestra, dance, and theatre groups.

Taking cognisance of the matter, the court has directed the State to respond to the petition “with such immediacy as is required for this case.” It further observed that it expects the State to take immediate action in case any trafficking is reported within these groups.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 25.

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