Human rights panel raps officials over deaths at Hisar brick-kiln

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken cognisance of the death of four children in a brick-kiln wall collapse in Budana village of Hisar district, terming it a gross violation of human rights and an example of administrative failure.

Preventable tragedy

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This was a preventable tragedy that occurred due to lack of legal enforcement and failure to provide even basic human necessities.

— Dr Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Officer, HHRC

The tragic incident took place on the night of December 22, 2024, when a wall collapsed at the brick-kiln, killing four children and injuring three others. The victims were children of migrant labourers from Uttar Pradesh, who were asleep near the wall when it caved in.

The matter was brought before the Commission through a complaint filed by human rights activist KS Nagra.

A Full Bench of the Commission, comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, expressed concern over the inhuman living conditions of the labourers.

“The workers and their families were living in extremely inhuman and unsafe conditions,” the Commission said.

It noted that preliminary facts pointed to a possible violation of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and observed that the kiln owner had moral and statutory responsibility to provide safe housing, clean water, sanitation and workplace safety to all labourers.

The Commission also stated that the incident amounted to a violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution — which guarantees the right to life — and of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In its order, the Commission has directed multiple district and departmental authorities to submit detailed reports within eight weeks.

Hisar Deputy Commissioner has been asked to confirm whether compensation has been provided to the affected families or suggest the schemes under which assistance may be granted.

Hisar Commissioner of Police must report if an FIR has been registered and provide the current status of the investigation.

Assistant Labour Commissioner, Hisar, has been tasked with investigating the existence of bonded labour at the site and initiating remedial action.

District Food and Supplies Officer/Licensing Authority must submit details on operational and inspection status of brick-kilns in the area.

Regional Officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, has been told to file a report on compliance with environmental norms at the kiln.

Importantly, the owner of the brick-kiln has been issued a notice to explain the lack of basic safety and residential arrangements for workers and their families.

“This was a preventable tragedy that occurred due to lack of legal enforcement and failure to provide even basic human necessities,” said Dr Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Officer of the Commission.

The Commission has scheduled the next hearing for October 14, by which time all authorities concerned are expected to submit their reports.