NHRC Intervenes in Alleged Bonded Labour Cases at Haryana Brick Kilns

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken proactive cognizance of 86 cases involving alleged bonded labour within the brick kiln sector in Haryana. By scheduling an online hearing for July 9, 2026, the Commission aims to ensure accountability and expedite the redressal of grievances for vulnerable workers who are often subjected to exploitative conditions, debt bondage, and restricted mobility. Bonded labour, despite being constitutionally prohibited under Article 23 and legally abolished by the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, remains a systemic issue in the informal sector. Brick kilns, characterized by their seasonal nature and reliance on migrant labour, frequently become sites of exploitation where workers are trapped through advance payments or 'peshgi,' leading to cycles of intergenerational debt. The NHRC’s intervention highlights the critical role of quasi-judicial bodies in monitoring the implementation of welfare laws and ensuring that the state machinery—specifically the District Vigilance Committees—functions effectively to identify and rehabilitate victims.