---
title: "Article 23: Forced Labour Ban | Model Diplomat"
description: "Article 23 prohibits human trafficking and forced labour in India, making these practices punishable offenses to protect fundamental rights."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/article-23-prohibition-of-traffic-in-human-beings"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Article 23 of the Constitution of India prohibits traffic in human beings, begar, and other forms of forced labour, making their practice a punishable offence.
- Does Article 23 apply only against the State or also against private individuals?
- How did the Supreme Court link minimum wages to Article 23?
- What is the difference between Article 23 and Article 24?
- Does Article 23 permit any form of compulsory service?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India (1984), the Supreme Court treated an NGO's letter as a writ petition under Article 23 and ordered the release and rehabilitation of bonded stone-quarry workers in Faridabad, Haryana.

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