Observing that the state’s constitutional obligation towards bonded labourers does not end with their release, the Supreme Court on Monday (November 2, 2026) asked the Centre to lay down a uniform procedure requiring financial assistance to be disbursed within seven days of release.
The court also asked the Centre to consider revising the existing rehabilitation scheme within three months to increase financial assistance and provide “subsistence support” when disbursements are delayed.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Aparesh Kumar Singh issued a slew of directions while hearing two petitions, including one filed by a bonded labour survivor, highlighting delays in financial assistance and institutional shortcomings in the identification and rehabilitation of those rescued. The court also addressed the difficulties faced by bonded labourers rescued outside their States of origin, where lack of coordination between authorities can delay their release and access to rehabilitation benefits. It also flagged the language barriers faced by those rescued and underlined that the process must remain accessible to the very persons it is intended to benefit.
The Bench said eradication of bonded labour was a “continuing obligation”, requiring authorities to ensure that those freed were meaningfully rehabilitated.
Nodal officer
Acknowledging that those released from bonded labour were often left without an independent source of livelihood and remain vulnerable to further exploitation, the Bench directed district magistrates to facilitate access to employment and livelihood opportunities under existing government welfare schemes. The court also called for regular training and sensitisation of police officers and other authorities entrusted with enforcing the rehabilitation scheme. The top court kept the petitions pending to monitor implementation of its directions and listed them for further consideration after seven months. It directed the Centre to file a compliance affidavit within four months, while States and Union Territories were given six months to comply with the directions and a further two weeks to place their respective compliance affidavits on record.
It added that any “unjustified failure” to discharge statutory duties or meet the prescribed timelines should invite scrutiny by the appropriate supervisory authority and necessary action in accordance with law.
