A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan termed the issue “alarming” after it was revealed that, out of 5,264 bonded labourers rescued in Uttar Pradesh, only 1,101 received immediate financial aid. The Court highlighted delays in disbursing financial assistance, particularly to rescued minors trafficked across state borders and forced into bonded labour.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today (21st Nov) directed the Central Government to convene a meeting with all states and union territories to formulate a unified proposal addressing inter-state trafficking of bonded laborers, including minors.
A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan termed the issue “alarming” after it was revealed that, out of 5,264 bonded labourers rescued in Uttar Pradesh, only 1,101 received immediate financial aid. The Court highlighted delays in disbursing financial assistance, particularly to rescued minors trafficked across state borders and forced into bonded labour.
Emphasizing a collaborative approach, the bench instructed the Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment to coordinate with counterparts from all states and UTs to devise a simplified procedure for ensuring immediate financial assistance to rescued child labourers.
The Attorney General and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) were also requested to assist in framing the proposal. The matter is scheduled for a follow-up hearing in six weeks.
During the proceedings, petitioners pointed to significant gaps in financial aid disbursement, with over 4,100 released bonded labourers in Uttar Pradesh yet to receive assistance. The state’s counsel assured the court that district-wise data on bonded labourers and disbursement details would be provided, along with procedures to prevent bonded labour. The issue of inter-state trafficking, particularly between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, was also flagged.
The bench urged the Centre to establish a unified mechanism, possibly a digital portal similar to those for tracking missing children, to address inter-state trafficking and ensure effective coordination. Senior advocate H.S. Phoolka noted that less than 10% of rescued bonded labourers had received compensation or aid, underscoring the need for immediate intervention.
The plea, filed in July 2022, seeks enforcement of fundamental rights for bonded labourers. One petitioner recounted being trafficked from Bihar to Uttar Pradesh and forced to work under exploitative conditions without fair wages.
