M A RANGANATHAN Vs. COLLECTOR SALEM DISTRICT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This order shall dispose of two Habeas Corpus petitions, namely H.C.P.Nos.176 and 177 of 2002. Both these petitions have been filed by one Mr.M.A.Ranganathan, son of Ayyavoo, describing himself as President, Salem District Mother Theresa Community Service Society, V.O.C.Nagar, Omalur Post, Salem District.

(2.) While in H.C.P.No.176 of 2002 there are about 7 persons joined as private party respondents, in H.C.P.No.177 of 2002 about 6 persons have been joined as private party respondents. The common allegation in both these writ petitions is that these party respondents have kept under themselves 24 bonded labourers (in H.C.P.No.176 of 2002) and 66 bonded labourers (in H.C.P.No.177 of 2002).

(3.) During the pendency of these petitions, this Court passed an order observing that this appeared to be a case of bonded labour and issued notice. The allegations made in the petitions were to the effect that the bonded labour were kept by these persons for working their handlooms. The Court directed thorough enquiry and after that enquiry a report has been placed before us, which is common to both the writ petitions. The report is signed by the Superintendent of Police, Salem District.