Empowering Children's Rights
Advocating for Change
A Landmark Recognition in Child Rights - Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani acknowledged the pivotal Supreme Court judgment, Independent Thought vs. UOI, declaring PCMA 2006 secular (Lok Sabha, Dec 21, 2021). Our mission is to protect and promote the rights of children, ensuring their voices are heard and their well-being is prioritized. Through advocacy, research, and community engagement, we strive to create a world where every child can thrive.
Who We Are
Independent Thought is a national human rights organization dedicated to promoting equity, justice, and mutual respect. We focus on child rights law through direct intervention, advocacy, and by providing technical and ongoing support. As a legal organization, we work towards legal reforms and policies that prioritize people, engaging with law students, lawyers, educators, and judicial bodies.
Our Impact Areas
1
Legal Advocacy
Championing child rights in courts and legal forums to bring about systemic change.
2
Research & Publications
Conducting in-depth research to inform policy and practice in child protection.
3
Community Intervention
Implementing grassroots projects to directly support children and their families.
4
Capacity Building
Training professionals and stakeholders to enhance child protection mechanisms effectively.
Key Milestones
A journey of dedication and impact in child rights advocacy and protection.
CLRC strives to create child right advocates through practice driven academic courses on child rights law.
2014-2017: Project Sangwari, Dantewada
Community intervention in 25 villages on Dantewada, Chattisgarh and technical support at the State level on Child Protection.
#MISSION2029: Launch by CACM
Campaign Against Child Marriage is working towards ending child marriage in India by the year 2029 - marking 100 years of enactment of child marriage law in India.
Independent Thought National Legal Essay Competition
2012-2025 Series of annual essay competitions held to promote child right law among future lawyers, jurists and academicians.
2017: Landmark Judgment - Independent Thought vs. Union of India
Supreme Court of India rectified the law to protect minor brides and declared sex with minor wives as rape, leading to ammendment in Section 63, BNS, 2023.
North-East Interventions on Child Rights Law and Policy
Interventions focusing on child marriage and the Juvenile Justice Act in Assam and Nagaland.