India marked half a century of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, which outlawed bonded labour, wiped out bonded debts and required release of bonded labourers. District Magistrates and Vigilance Committees identify, free and rehabilitate victims, who receive financial aid, land, housing and livelihood support. Articles 21, 23 and 24 of the Constitution guard against forced labour, and Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, penalises trafficking and forced labour.