Last month, parliament passed a new law against child labour, decreeing as illegal all labour of those under 14. On the surface, it appears to be the perfect Independence Day gift for children of India's poor. But the new law makes an exception, allowing parents and relatives to put their children to work after school hours, a clause which the government says addresses the economic realities of India. But this exception, some argue, legalises child labour. Here's a reality check.
