Supreme Court: Rehabilitation aid to bonded labourers due within 7 days

The case concerns the enforcement of constitutional and statutory obligations to identify, rescue, and rehabilitate bonded labourers, specifically addressing delays in providing immediate financial assistance and the need for uniform procedures across states.

Who it concerns: Petitioners: Surendra Manjhi & Anr. and the National Campaign Committee for the Eradication of Bonded Labour & others; Respondents: Union of India & Ors.; Bench: Justice Vikram Nath.

What the court decided

• The Court directed the Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, to file an affidavit indicating action taken.
• The Court directed the Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, to convene a meeting with authorities of all States and Union Territories to formulate a proposal for inter-State trafficking, release certificates, and simplified disbursement procedures.
• The Court directed the Union of India to involve the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in finalising the proposed procedure.
• The Court noted that immediate financial assistance should not be withheld merely because criminal proceedings are pending, subject to identification and verification.

Also in the document

• The Court observed that rehabilitation delayed may, in substance, amount to rehabilitation denied.
• The Court emphasized that statements of rescued labourers must be recorded with safeguards and information communicated in a language they understand.
• The Court distinguished between the rehabilitation of the labourer and the prosecution of exploiters, stating that financial assistance is for urgent needs and should not depend on the status of criminal investigations.