MSHRC to Proceed Ex Parte Against MCGM Chief Over Child Labour in Wadala

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has decided to proceed ex parte against the Municipal Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) after the civic authority failed to submit a reply regarding the alleged employment of children to clean gutters and nallahs in Mumbai’s Wadala area.

The human rights panel initiated suo motu proceedings following a news report showing three child labourers engaged in cleaning a drain in Wadala. During the hearing, Assistant Commissioner of Labour Datta Mohite submitted a departmental report before the commission.

According to the report, the hazardous cleaning work was being carried out by a contractor engaged by the MCGM, which acted as the principal employer. The labour department's submission indicated that the employment of children for such work was rampant across the civic body's G/North, E, and F/North Wards. Several children were found working during five separate raids conducted by the department with assistance from local police and non-governmental organisations.

A labour officer subsequently filed a complaint leading to the registration of Crime No. 262/2026 at the Wadala Police Station.

The MSHRC expressed sharp displeasure over the civic administration's complete lack of response to the proceedings, noting that if the findings are accurate, the municipal corporation as the principal employer is liable for the offence. Due to the MCGM’s failure to submit a reply, the commission ruled that the matter would proceed ex parte against the municipal commissioner.

Additionally, the commission directed the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, to submit a report clarifying whether investigating officers have named responsible MCGM officials as accused in the Wadala police case. The hearing has been adjourned to October 28, 2026.