Supreme Court Directive on Domestic Workers' Protection
An impoverished tribal woman from Chhattisgarh, employed as a domestic worker in the national capital, became the focal point of a Supreme Court judgment highlighting the exploitation of domestic workers.
Supreme Court's Observations
- The absence of a central law for domestic workers leads to rampant abuse and exploitation.
- Domestic workers endure low wages, unsafe environments, and extended hours without effective legal recourse.
Supreme Court's Directives
- The Union government must form an inter-ministerial committee.
- This committee should include experts from the Ministries of Labour, Women and Child Development, Law and Justice, and Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The committee is tasked with recommending a legal framework for domestic workers' rights and protection.
- The report should be submitted within six months to decide on the necessity of a central law.
State Initiatives
- States like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala have enacted their own laws for domestic workers' protection.
- These states have established specialized bodies to administer social security benefits, maternity care, education assistance, and fair wages.
Historical Attempts
- Several bills, from the 1959 Domestic Workers Bill to the 2017 Regulation of Work and Social Security Bill, have proposed central laws but none have been enacted.
