Madurai: Taking into account the Supreme Court's directive for high courts to form committees to expedite trials in bonded labour cases, the Madras High Court has asked its registry to bring the matter to the Chief Justice's attention for appropriate orders.
Background of the Case
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Thangavel, who sought directions to the registrar general of Madras HC and the registrar (judicial) of the Madurai bench to issue circulars or instructions to all trial courts. The petitioner requested that trials in bonded labour cases be conducted on a day-to-day basis, in line with the Supreme Court's directives, ensuring speedy disposal within a reasonable timeframe.
Petitioner's Submissions
The petitioner's counsel argued that despite the state government issuing a standard operating procedure in a 2021 government order to release and rescue bonded labourers, criminal cases against the accused remain pending. Notably, nearly 28 cases have been pending for over 10 years.
Court's Observations
A division bench comprising Justice N Sathish Kumar and Justice M Jothiraman observed that if a committee is not constituted to monitor such cases, the registry should bring it to the notice of the Chief Justice of Madras HC for appropriate orders. The petition was subsequently disposed of.
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