1. What is the Sanjit Roy vs. State of Rajasthan Case all about?
The Sanjit Roy vs. State of Rajasthan case in 1983 is a significant judgement that addressed the issue of minimum wages and the rights of workers employed under drought relief programs. The case examined whether the state could pay less than the minimum wages prescribed under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, to workers engaged in drought relief work.
2. Facts of the Sanjit Roy vs. State of Rajasthan Case Relevant for UPSC
- Parties Involved:
- Sanjit Roy (petitioner)
- State of Rajasthan (respondent)
- Legal Questions:
- Whether the state government could pay less than the minimum wages prescribed under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, to workers engaged in drought relief work.
- Whether such an action violated the fundamental rights of the workers under Article 23 (prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour) of the Indian Constitution.
- Noteworthy Events:
- Sanjit Roy, a social activist, filed a petition challenging the payment of wages below the minimum wage to workers employed in drought relief programs by the State of Rajasthan.
- The state government argued that the workers engaged in drought relief were receiving a form of relief rather than wages, and thus the minimum wage law did not apply.
3. What are the Major Judgements/Changes Brought by Sanjit Roy vs. State of Rajasthan Case?
The Supreme Court delivered a significant judgement that upheld the rights of workers to receive minimum wages:
- The Court held that the state cannot pay less than the minimum wages prescribed under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, to workers employed in drought relief work. It ruled that the payment of wages below the minimum wage violates the fundamental rights of workers under Article 23.
- It emphasized that all workers, including those engaged in drought relief work, are entitled to receive minimum wages to ensure that they are not exploited.
- The judgement reinforced that the right to receive minimum wages is a fundamental right under Article 23, which prohibits forced labour and exploitation.
4. What was the Impact of Sanjit Roy vs. State of Rajasthan Case on Indian Constitution?
- Reinforcement of Minimum Wage Laws: The judgement reinforced the applicability of minimum wage laws to all workers, including those engaged in government relief programs, ensuring that they receive fair wages.
- Protection of Worker Rights: It established that paying less than the minimum wage constitutes a violation of workers’ fundamental rights under Article 23, protecting them from exploitation.
- Promotion of Social Justice: The ruling emphasized the importance of social justice and the need to protect vulnerable workers, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their labour.
5. Was this Sanjit Roy vs. State of Rajasthan Case Challenged/Reversed in Future?
The principles established in the Sanjit Roy case have been upheld in subsequent legal proceedings and continue to guide the interpretation of minimum wage laws and the protection of workers’ rights in India. The judgement remains a significant reference for ensuring fair wages and preventing the exploitation of workers, especially in relief programs.
6. Doctrines/Theories/New Concepts
- Doctrine of Fair Wages: The case introduced the principle that all workers, including those in relief programs, are entitled to receive minimum wages to ensure they are not exploited.
- Protection Against Forced Labour: The judgement emphasized that paying less than the minimum wage constitutes forced labour and violates Article 23 of the Constitution.
- Promotion of Social Justice: The ruling highlighted the importance of social justice in labour practices, ensuring that workers receive fair compensation and are protected by the law.