HC directs Subarnapur SP to contact 15 workers of 2 dists ‘detained’ in Telangana

Cuttack: Orissa high court has directed Subarnapur SP, Narayan Nayak, to immediately take steps to contact 15 migrant workers from Subarnapur and Balangir districts who are allegedly being illegally detained at a brick kiln in Telangana.Hearing a petition on Monday, a division bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman instructed the SP to verify the allegations and act in accordance with law if any wrongdoing is found.The petition, filed by 15 people, alleged illegal detention and exploitation by a brick kiln owner in Telangana. “The petition has vividly revealed the owner of the brick field stationed in the state of Telangana and, therefore, there is no impediment on the part of the police administration to take an appropriate step in this regard,” the court said.“We, therefore, direct the superintendent of police (SP), Subarnapur to immediately take steps to contact the petitioners, who are allegedly detained at the said brick field. In the event, the allegation has any semblance of truth, further steps as required under law should be ensured,” the bench said.According to the petition, the workers had migrated “in pursuit of better condition of life and to earn livelihood”, but were forced to work in violation of statutory safeguards.

They were allegedly not provided adequate food, were prevented from leaving the worksite and denied medical care in case of illness.Taking serious note of the allegations, the bench observed, “It raises a serious concern as the slavery of the forced labour has been abolished and the detention of such nature cannot be appreciated in a civilized society.”The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 16 when the SP is expected to submit a report detailing the progress made in compliance with the court’s direction.Although the court noted that there was authorisation on behalf of only one petitioner to file the plea, it chose to proceed considering the gravity of the matter, stating it found no obstacle in examining it.