Today, P&H HC in a habeas Corpus matter regarding release of 60+ bonded labourers, the court refused to issue notice & initiate further proceedings saying "I have utmost faith in our DMs (district magistrates)". All I could think of was: this blind faith is exactly the problem!

The court also opined that these are merely arm twisting tactics by the labourers. It seems judges have forgotten that bonded labour in myriad forms is a stark reality esp in the brick kilns wich have massive exploitation, child labour. &Punjab is the hot bed. @_anti_slavery_

This is the video of the bonded child labourers (in the Jalandhar writ) working. Saying humein ghar bhijwa doh (please send us home).

#HeartWrenching: Bonded labour mothers are saying while you celebrate children's day our children work as labourers at this age. We r forced to feed them salty/sugary water as there is nothing else. We're nt allowed to leave. We've been here since a yr.Please allow us to go home

And this is the Order passed by the Court. Giving the DM 2 royal weeks to decide the representations. Habeas Corpus (in re Kashmir or otherwise) & bonded labour seems to be relegated to the bottom of pile.

Many ppl including judges don't understand tht bonded labour does mean the labour would be physically bound in chains/imprisoned etc. It's eco & social slavery. To understand the issue do watch @Anti_Slavery's documentary on bonded labour in Punjab