I was forced into bonded labor in Patna; what constitutional protection do I have?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings, begar and other similar forms of forced labour, and makes it an offence under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. File a complaint with the Patna district magistrate, who is obliged to identify, release and rehabilitate bonded labourers.

The release certificate issued by the magistrate is the key document for rehabilitation and compensation under the central scheme. The Patna High Court can be approached under Article 226 to direct the magistrate to act and to enforce the rehabilitation package.

Bihar Rent Control Act 2017 on bonded labour must conform to the central Act, and the state is liable for the rehabilitation of the released labourer. Preserve the bond document, the wage records and the identity of the employer in Patna.

The court can direct prosecution of the employer and compensation for the period of bondage.