Takes tough stand over denial of benefits to freed bonded labourers; Garhwa DCs summoned
Ranchi/Garhwa: The has taken a strong stance over the failure to provide government benefits and compensation to freed bonded labourers in Garhwa and other districts of Jharkhand. On Thursday, a division bench comprising Chief Justice and Justice expressed serious displeasure over the functioning of the state administration and directed the current and former Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Garhwa to appear in person before the court on May 14.
Court pulls up administrative inaction
While hearing a petition filed by Ghanshyam Pathak, the court observed that despite clear earlier directions, the administration has merely engaged in paperwork. No concrete steps have been taken on the ground to ensure that the labourers receive the benefits due to them. The bench termed the government’s response as completely unsatisfactory.
Petitioner’s submissions
Counsel for the petitioner, advocate Rajeev Kumar, informed the court that under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, freed labourers are legally entitled to immediate compensation, rehabilitation, and access to various government welfare schemes.
Key allegations
- Action confined to files: An organization in Garhwa rescued several bonded labourers from different parts of the country and brought them back, but the administration has failed to provide them any real support.
- Lack of benefits: The labourers have neither received financial assistance nor been linked to any government schemes.
The court termed the situation a serious violation of human rights and made the personal appearance of the responsible officials mandatory. The officers will now have to clarify their position before the court on May 14.
