AI-Era Verdict Hour: NHRC Logs 216 Cyber-Filed Bonded Labour Complaints in UP Kilns
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi: 16th April 2026. In a major digital crackdown on systemic exploitation, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), presided over by Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, conducted a marathon virtual hearing into 216 cases of alleged bonded labour across Uttar Pradesh’s brick kilns.
The proceedings were marked by a stern indictment of administrative negligence, with Secretary General Bharat Lal warning that official apathy directly consigns vulnerable workers to a cycle of penury.
Responding to the Commission’s scrutiny, the State Labour Commissioner has issued a formal assurance to submit comprehensive reports within three weeks, pledging strict adherence to Supreme Court directives and statutory mandates to eradicate forced labour in the state.
While acknowledging the presence of senior officers, Justice Ramasubramanian observed that such a large-scale hearing could have been avoided had officials discharged their duties diligently.
He pointed to persistent violations such as non-production of records and failure to ensure minimum wages, noting that these lapses have allowed the practice of bonded labour to continue unchecked.
He stressed that such omissions deprive labourers of their statutory rights to rescue, release, and rehabilitation under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, as well as under the Central Sector rehabilitation scheme.
Echoing these concerns, Bharat Lal highlighted significant shortcomings in the implementation of the law and rehabilitation measures.
He urged district authorities to act proactively to alleviate the plight of affected workers and ensure they are able to live with dignity.
He cautioned that administrative inaction leaves labourers vulnerable to continued exploitation and extreme poverty.
During the hearing, the Commission reviewed Action Taken Reports (ATRs) submitted by district administrations.
The State Labour Commissioner assured the Commission that all 216 cases would be re-examined and that detailed reports would be submitted within three weeks.
Officials further assured the Commission of strict compliance with directives of the Supreme Court of India and applicable legal provisions, with a commitment to take immediate remedial measures to address the issue of bonded labour.
