A Madras High Court verdict passed three years ago has adversely affected the relief and rehabilitation of bonded labourers in Tamil Nadu, say activists.
The order struck down Section 21 of the Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act, 1976, as a result of which conviction rates have fallen. Section 21 of the Act empowered executive magistrates in the district administration (Revenue Divisional Officers in the case of Tamil Nadu) to try cases relating to bonded labour.
The High Court struck down the section in June 2014 and ordered that these cases be transferred to Judicial Magistrates in every district. “Because of the High Court order, bonded labourers who are already victims of violence, are further deprived of timely justice,” contends K. Krishnan, Secretary of National Adivasi Solidarity Council.
Retired judge of the Madras High Court Justice K. Chandru concurs. “There is nothing wrong in delegation of powers,” he says.
When asked for a comment, a senior official said it was easy for quick disposal of the cases when Section 21 of the Act was in place.
