Allahabad HC Orders Immediate Release Of Persons Kept As Bonded Labor In Brick Kiln

The court has also asked the District Magistrate of the Baghpat district to take immediate action for the release of bonded labor from the concerned brick kiln and report to the court immediately thereafter, not later than February 23, 2020.

The plea was filed earlier this month by one Shishram, seeking the high court's intervention for the release of his family members as also others working at a particular brick kiln in the Bhagpat district of UP.

The matter was first listed before the high court on February 12, whereby the court noted that according to the specific allegation made by the Petitioner, the workers at the brick kiln are made to perform their work as bonded labourers.

Granting a week's time to the State counsel to obtain instructions, the high court had adjourned the matter.

During the proceedings on Wednesday (February 19), the Petitioner informed the high court bench led by Chief Justice Govind Mathur that labors from Bihar are being brought to UP and forced to work as bonded labor in Brick kilns.

The bench, also comprised by Justice Samil Gopal, has ordered immediate action against the delinquent brick kiln and has listed the matter for further consideration on March 18.

Forced labour is prohibited under Article 23 of the Constitution. It is also a penal offence under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and also with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees.

Case Details:

Case Title: Shishram v. State of UP & Ors.

Case No.: PIL 288/2020

Quorum: Chief Justice Govinf Mathur and Justice Samil Gopal

Appearance: Advocates Sunil Kumar Tiwari and Vinay Kumar Singh (for Petitioner); Chief Standing Counsel Rishi Kumar (for State)

Click Here To Download Order Dated February 12

Read Order Dated February 12

[To be updated with today's order]