Notice issued to Govt Advocate on bonded labourers issue

Bangalore, Apr 17 (UNI) The Karnataka High Court today directed issuance of notice to the Government Advocate to take notice of a public interest litigation, seeking for a direction to rehabilitate 1,389 bonded labourers in Madhugiri taluk of Tumkur district.

A Division Bench, comprising Mr Justice Chidananda Ullal and Mr Justice Ashok Hinchigeri, issued the notice.

The petitioners, Jeeta Vimukthi Karnataka and Karnataka Jitadalul Mattu Krishkarmikara Okkuta, stated that on a survey conducted by them, they had identified about 1,389 bonded labourers and had made representations to the Tahsildar and other authorities to take steps for their release and rehabilitation in 1994. Despite repeated appeals, no action had been initiated so far.

The petitioners prayed for a direction to declare them as bonded labourers, rehabilitate them and provide a relief of Rs 20,000 each and a monthly payment of Rs 300 each for two years, a house to each of them as per Government Orders dated January 21, 2006, and April 29, 2004, and dry land of five guntas or 2.5 guntas of irrigated land under the scheme 'Namma Bhoomi Namma Thota'.

UNI