In 2021, ten individuals were rescued from bonded labor in the sugar cane fields of Uttar Pradesh. Upon the rescue, Justice Hub lawyers provided critical support to these survivors, encouraging them to give statements against their traffickers and assisting them in navigating the legal landscape. As a result, the traffickers were charged with serious offenses related to human trafficking, wrongful confinement, and child labor. However, they were not initially charged under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act (“Bonded Labor Act”), an oversight which had the potential to reduce the severity of their punishment.
To guard against this possibility, Justice Hub lawyers intervened to advocate for the inclusion of charges under the Bonded Labour Act. In support of their position, they submitted a letter describing the deplorable working conditions these victims faced, which included long hours, inhumane living conditions, and restrictions of their freedom. The arguments presented were powerful and clearly demonstrated how the circumstances satisfied the statutory criteria for bonded labor under the Bonded Labor Act.
After considering the submission, the judge ordered the addition of the relevant charges under the Bonded Labor Act, a notable victory ensuring that the accused would face the most severe consequences that could be imposed for their criminal actions. The resourcefulness and persistence of Justice Hub lawyers in using all legal recourse available to them will make a difference in the effort to deter offenders.
