#Forced Labour

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has ruled that any prima facie allegation of bonded labour triggers an immediate, mandatory duty for the District Magistrate to launch a statutory inquiry under Sections 16-17 of the Bonded Labour Act within seven days. This sets a binding timeline for executive action, transforming passive complaints into enforceable rights for vulnerable labourers and holding district authorities accountable for constitutional violations under Articles 21 and 23.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has ruled that writ petitions alleging bonded labour must be treated as formal complaints under the Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act, 1976, compelling District Magistrates to conduct a mandatory inquiry within two weeks. This judgment reinforces the statutory duty of authorities to act promptly on allegations of forced labour, ensuring compliance with human rights protections.

Supreme Court holds that contractual teachers under Samagra Shiksha Scheme are entitled to periodic honorarium revision; fixed Rs.7,000/month violates Article 23.