Gujarat High Court Pulls Up Centre Over Non-Implementation Of ESI Act In Kutch
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A public interest litigation has been filed before the Gujarat High Court seeking implementation of the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act in Kutch, particularly for workers employed in hazardous industries.
The plea states that thousands of workers in the district are being deprived of social security and healthcare benefits under the ESI framework despite the presence of several industries considered hazardous to workers’ health.
High Court Pulls Up Centre Over Lack Of Response
The High Court had earlier issued notices to the Central Government’s Labour Department in connection with the matter and had also informed the Additional Solicitor General.
However, the court was informed that despite repeated directions, the Centre had not filed an affidavit or responded to the notices.
The Chief Justice expressed strong displeasure over the lack of response, questioning why the Central Government and the office of the Assistant Solicitor General were not taking the High Court’s directions seriously.
‘This Is A Serious And Unfortunate Incident’
The court observed that the issue was not an isolated instance and expressed concern that there was no adequate response from the Centre regarding infrastructure related to workers’ health.
The Chief Justice reportedly remarked that despite being directed several times to respond, the Central Government had still not filed an affidavit.
The court questioned why the orders of the High Court were repeatedly not being acted upon.
Plea Seeks Social Security For Kutch Workers
The petition argues that workers employed in hazardous industries in Kutch should be covered under the ESI Act so they can receive healthcare and social security benefits.
The plea further contends that the ESI Act should be implemented across districts and that no district can be excluded from the statutory framework.
The High Court has now directed the minister of the concerned ministry to issue a notice in the matter, amid continuing concerns over the Centre’s response to the court’s earlier directions.
