The Supreme Court of India has instructed the Centre to establish a committee to formulate a legal framework protecting domestic workers. This move recognizes the lack of legal safeguards, leaving these workers vulnerable to exploitation. The committee is to report within six months, aiming to improve their rights and working conditions significantly.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has ordered the Centre to form a committee to propose a legal framework for the regulation and protection of domestic workers across India. The ruling comes as the Court acknowledged that domestic workers often lack proper legal protection, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh directed the Union Government to explore the feasibility of enacting a law that would safeguard the rights of domestic workers. The Court passed this order while dismissing a criminal case against a man accused of preventing his house help from leaving his residence.
“Domestic Workers Have No Recourse to Justice” – Advocate Mishra
Advocate Chandrika Prasad Mishra, who represented the complainant in the case, highlighted the Supreme Court’s recognition of the plight of domestic workers.
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“We represented the complainant woman. The court has acknowledged that domestic workers are often forced to work in situations where they have no recourse or means to file a complaint. There are no laws in these areas. The court recognized that workers are often paid lower wages and are helpless because there is no law or association where they can voice their demands. This is a significant day for SC, ST, and women from weaker sections, and if a law is created in this field, it will benefit them,”
said Mishra.
Committee to Submit Report Within Six Months
Advocate Rajiv Dubey further explained that the Supreme Court has directed the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Ministry of Labour to set up a committee to develop a legal framework for protecting the rights of maids, household workers, and weaker sections of society.
“The Supreme Court has directed the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Ministry of Labour to form a committee to create a legal framework aimed at protecting the rights of maids, household workers, and the weaker sections of society. The goal is to establish a law that improves their financial status. The court has asked for a report in six months to ensure their rights are safeguarded,”
Dubey stated.
Supreme Court Pushes for Swift Action
The Supreme Court has urged the Centre to enact a law soon after the committee submits its recommendations. The Court emphasized that domestic workers form an essential part of India’s workforce, yet there is no pan-India legislation to protect their rights. It noted that domestic workers are often exploited, abused, and trafficked by employers and agencies due to the lack of legal safeguards.
Also Read: Husband Giving Time, Money To Mother Not Domestic Violence: Court to Wife
This decision marks a significant step toward ensuring justice and better working conditions for domestic workers in India. The next six months will be crucial as the government works on developing a comprehensive legal framework to address the long-standing issues faced by millions of domestic workers across the country.
Case Title: Ajay Malik v. State of Uttarakhand and anr
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