SC Calls For Law To Secure Domestic Workers' Rights

SC Described The Exploitation Of Domestic Workers And Lack Of Legal Protection As A Pressing National Concern

- Utkarsh Anand

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday lamented the lack of statutory protection for millions of domestic workers across the country, while urging the Union government to enact a comprehensive law to safeguard their rights and directing the Centre to constitute a committee to examine within six months the feasibility of such a legislative framework.

A bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, described the exploitation of domestic workers and lack of legal protection as a pressing national concern, and underscored the urgent need for legislative intervention for a "critical workforce" that keeps the homes running while being denied their own basic rights.

"There is no gainsaying that this indispensable yet marginalized workforce in India remains vulnerable to exploitation, low wages, and poor working conditions with little or no legal recourse," the bench, also comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated.