NO SAFETY NET, WHY THE LAW FORGOT INDIA’S CIRCUS WORKERS

This paper looks at the absence of any legislation to protect adult circus workers in India, even though they are engaged in dangerous activities. It discusses the history of non-effectiveness of protective legislation, the absence of circus workers from important labour laws and the implications of this loophole in the regulatory system as per Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The paper calls for establishing a specific legislative framework for providing safe working environments and for ensuring the welfare of circus workers.