What’s behind the child labour FIR attempt against Rajasthan Royals to “protect” Sooryavanshi?

By K.R. Nayar 

It was amusing to learn that a Karnataka-based activist had threatened to file a complaint seeking an FIR against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise for "child labour". The reason given was that a 15-year-old cricketer, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, playing in a high-pressure commercial league like the IPL, violates child labour laws, and that the minor should instead be focusing on his studies. It is not clear whether the activist did this for publicity or fame just to portray himself as a man who stood up to “rescue” Suryavanshi.

Every Indian has the right to file a complaint. At the same time, there are these myopic thinking individuals like this activist who are actually a threat to talented and successful teenagers. They find reasons to create roadblocks to brilliance. Many believe teenagers must be focusing only on academics. Their travel must be limited to classrooms, tuition centres, and examination halls, with no detours allowed for dreams. It is likely that such people may have destroyed the sporting careers of many talented teenagers, despite the fact that there are many who have excelled both in academics and sports. They consider signing up teenagers as an exploitation rather than a boost to their careers. This peculiar philosophy isn’t limited to cricket—it extends generously to singing, acting, chess, swimming—essentially any arena where talent dares to bloom early.

It is indeed fortunate that Sachin Tendulkar escaped his attention during his playing days; if not, the BCCI may have been called out and Sachin may have been forced into to his ‘Back to School’ thinking. Indian cricket may have been robbed of a legend. 

People with such mindsets believe that unfinished homework poses a greater national threat than unplayed cover drives. They believe in reminding teenagers that algebra problems cannot wait to be solved. Instead of applauding a teenager playing unbelievable shots with audacity, these people would rather search for an FIR form to stop him or her.

Do not be surprised if, after this, someone—on seeing thousands enjoying the IPL—files a case against the fans for wasting their time in stadiums and indulging in “unauthorized enjoyment.” There are many who dislike supporting sports or appreciating people who enjoy them.

Those who look at the IPL floodlights and see coal mines, or at young cricketers and see exploited labour, perhaps need counselling. If nurturing talent is rebranded as exploitation, we are in serious danger. 

Tomorrow, these guardians of misplaced righteousness may move to shut down Over-50 and Over-60 tournaments as well, arguing that senior citizens should rest instead of chasing fitness and joy.

Tomorrow, a case may be filed against a teenage singer performing in front of a large crowd, stating that he or she was singing at a time when homework should have been done. A top chess tournament in which prodigies participate may be targeted, claiming that they are indulging in “mental overemployment.” A young swimmer training hard may also be objected to for excessive splashing during school hours instead of learning the importance of environmental protection.

The reaction to this attempted FIR has been one of disbelief and laughter but is a poison that has to be prevented from spreading. Following the success of many teenagers in the IPL, more teenagers are likely to focus on cricket since this game is a lucrative profession today. A 15-year-old earning his place among professionals is not a victim; he is a story of aspiration, discipline, and opportunity. It is also important for an activist to understand what real child labour is.

Teenagers must be freely allowed to dream and chase excellence without fearing a legal notice in the middle of their innings. The real injustice is not a teenager playing cricket—it is a society that cannot recognise the difference between opportunity and exploitation.