Aastha Thakur
Published on: 8th September 2022 at 19:19 IST
Supreme Court declared that a scam using the excuse if bound labour is taking place in the nation and that these individuals are making money by abusing “this bonded labour thing.“
According to Justice Hemant Gupta, workers who are classified as “bonded” are really compensated for their labour before quitting.
He remarked, “Do you know who are the bonded laborers?” They are not bonded. They take money and come there and are employed by brick kilns.”
“They come from backward areas. They take money, eat the money, and then resign. This is a racket. These labourers only take advantage of this bonded labour thing. “
The plea was filed by deceased social activist Swami Agnivesh back in 2012. He sought the intervention of the court and a direction in mandamus to the Jammu police to investigate rape and other offences alleged by a bonded labourer.
The petition tells the plight of the bonded labourer, who was repeatedly raped by the owner of the construction unit after her husband ran away from the facility.
When the top court took up the case initially, it directed the registration of a First Information Report. The lawyer representing the petitioners here submitted that many of them were victims of sexual harassment and they had not even been paid any compensation for their work even after 10 years.
The standing counsel here for J&K has told the court that the initial complaint had been registered and an investigation had been initiated, but the victim of this particular matter was not to be found, leading to the closure of the case in 2018.
The Court also noted that the government has filed a detailed report on it.
Hence, the Court disposed of the matter, suggesting that the state can take any remedial measure needed as per law.