VAHRAJ PARGHI Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS public interest litigation has been filed seeking writ of mandamus directing the respondents to take appropriate actions to investigate into the facts of exploitation of bonded labourers. Direction was also sought to quash the proceedings against Pitamber Gordhan Bhil being Mukhadnama 10 of 1987, and also for direction to the respondents to appoint a Commission to investigate into the practice of bonded labourers in violation of the provisions of Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976.

(2.) DETAILED counter affidavit has been filed on behalf of the Assistant Government Labour Officer, explaining the various steps they have taken in connection with the alleged violation of the Act. Details given in the counter affidavit are self explanatory.

(3.) IN para. 4 of the counter affidavit, it has been stated that the statements which were taken were forwarded to the Deputy Collector, Dabhoi who is to take appropriate action. It is also stated that for not keeping the register, the Labour Officer has initiated prosecution against the employer. This would indicate that appropriate action is being resorted to by the Labour Officer.