Lawyers oppose dilution of labour laws

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 17

As many BJP-ruled states are diluting labour laws to attract investment, the Indian Association of Lawyers (IAL) has opposed it, saying it’s contrary to constitutional goals and would put the workers in a state of slavery.

“No doubt Covid-19 has created an extraordinary situation warranting extraordinary measures to deal with it, but that does not mean governments can suspend/abrogate/ abuse laws so as to curtail the constitutionally guaranteed rights to the people,” the IAL said in a resolution.

“The IAL registers its protest against these undemocratic actions, which in fact will hurt the economy in the longer run due to conflicts,” it said. It also expressed displeasure over the SC’s handling of PILs during Covid-19 crisis. “It is distressing to note the manner in which the SC has failed to act promptly, decisively and effectively in many PIL cases,” it said.

The IAL has appealed to the government to take urgent steps for initiating large-scale welfare measures to save the poor from hunger, deprivation and malnutrition.

“Huge public investment is required forthwith to save the people on one hand and to bring the economy back on the rails. Indecision and delay in this regard has caused huge suffering to the people and damage to the economy,” the IAL said.