The High Court of Karnataka on Monday issued a direction to contractors undertaking Namma Metro works to pay workers in the presence of labour inspectors. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.H. Waghela and Justice H.G. Ramesh issued the direction after it was reported to the court that there had been instances of violation of labour laws pertaining to payment of wages.
The Bench was hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by a social worker, Samuel Sathyaseelan. The petitioner had pointed out poor living conditions and violation of laws pertaining to workers on the metro project. The court had been monitoring the facilities provided to workers after getting reports from the Chief Commissioner of Labour. The Labour Department had initiated criminal cases against some of the major contractors for violating labour laws.
Petitions dismissedThe High Court on Monday dismissed the petitions filed by land owners and developers questioning the law that enabled the planning authorities to levy Rs. 1 lakh as lake rejuvenation cess, while granting approval for development of land.
Justice L. Narayanaswamy passed the order, while dismissing the petitions filed by Expert Realtors Pvt. Ltd., legislator Priyakrishna and his brother, and others questioning the amendment made to Section 18A (1) of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act in 2012.
