A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Apresh Kumar Singh directed the Central Government, all states and Union Territories to fully implement the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and rehabilitation scheme within six months.
Merely Freeing Workers from Bonded Labour Is Not Enough
In its judgment, the Supreme Court observed that simply freeing a worker from bonded labour does not fulfil the government’s responsibility. Providing financial assistance and the necessary resources to help released workers live with dignity is equally important.
The bench noted that if a worker is freed from exploitation but does not receive timely financial assistance and rehabilitation support, economic difficulties may force them back into bonded labour.
Emphasis on Rehabilitation After Release
The court clarified that identification, release and rehabilitation are interconnected and essential stages in cases involving bonded labour. All these responsibilities must be fulfilled effectively and together.
The Supreme Court also directed that financial assistance to released workers should not be delayed. It emphasised ensuring that financial assistance reaches them within seven days of their release.
The objective of this judgment is to help people freed from bonded labour become financially self-reliant and protect them from falling into exploitative conditions again.
