Bonded labour and social justice

The problem of bonded labour still remains unsolved in some parts of the country and, unfortunately no State Government wants to admit that there is bonded labour in its territory and the result is that bonded labourers are neglected and nothing is done towards their liberation and rehabilitation. It is only through judicial intervention that an awakening has now come about, the judiciary is in a hapless con dition because it cannot do more than giving directions to the State Governments. In this context, it is the duty of the State Governments to pay serious attention to eradicate this evil system.

Social Justice has acquired great dimensions after the commencement of our Constitution. In the initial period, emphasis was made by the courts more on individual rights, particularly the fundamental rights. It is only in the last decade or little more, that the State's duties towards the citizens, particularly, in the context of the Directive Principles of State Policy have been emphasised. 'Bonded Labour' has been noticed recently by the Supreme Court in the leading cases of Bandhua Mukthi Morcha and Neeraja Choudhary and various directions and interpretations have been given.

This outstanding book will be of interest to jurists, lawyers, social workers, administrators and scholars and students of law and sociology.