A Brief Look at the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959

• The Act was implemented in the Union Territory of Delhi in 1960.
• It categorizes begging as a criminal activity.
• The goal of the Act is to transition beggars away from their current unlawful profession, so they can be detained, trained, and eventually gainfully employed.
• Activists and advocates for homeless individuals often view the Act as a violation of basic human rights.

Key Provisions of the Act Pertaining to Children Aged 0-18

• The Act defines a child as a boy who is under 16 years of age or a girl under 18 years of age.
• Beggars convicted by a court of law under this Act can be sentenced to a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years in a Beggar’s Home (Certified Institution). This also applies to any dependents of the beggar, except children.
• If a child is dependent on a beggar or is found guilty, they are referred to the courts under the Children Act 1960 and treated according to the provisions of that Act.
• Individuals who solicit or exploit a child for begging can be imprisoned for a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years.
• A person who does not adhere to the rules of the certified institution can be detained.
• Leprosy patients or people suffering from mental health issues can also be detained under the Act.
• Despite the introduction of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, this law has not been updated to reflect new provisions for children.
• The Human Rights Law Network criticizes the law for being 'outdated and colonial', with undertones of classism, as it was enacted to keep the poor away from affluent areas.

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