NHRC hears 216 cases of alleged bonded labour in Uttar Pradesh brick kilns
The National Human Rights Commission, chaired by Justice V. Ramasubramanian, heard 216 cases of alleged bonded labour in brick kilns across Uttar Pradesh in an online hearing on 16 April 2026.
Summary
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) heard 216 cases of alleged bonded labour in brick kilns across various districts of Uttar Pradesh in an online hearing on 16 April 2026. NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian presided, with Secretary General Bharat Lal, and the state Labour Commissioner and district officials took part. The Chairperson said that failures such as non-production of records and non-compliance with minimum wage norms deny labourers rescue, release and rehabilitation under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and the Central Sector Scheme. The State Labour Commissioner assured the Commission that reports in all cases would be submitted within three weeks.
Key facts
- Body
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- Cases
- 216 alleged bonded labour cases, UP brick kilns
- Date
- 16 April 2026 (online hearing)
- Presided by
- Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian
- Law
- Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
- Assurance
- Reports within three weeks (State Labour Commissioner)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In April 2026, the NHRC heard 216 cases of alleged bonded labour in brick kilns of which state?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
The cases related to brick kilns across various districts of Uttar Pradesh.
The law under which bonded labourers are entitled to rescue, release and rehabilitation, cited by the NHRC in April 2026, is the:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
The NHRC cited the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and the Central Sector Scheme.