Tri Lokshana, BBA LLB (Hons.), Tamil Nadu Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Law University, School of Excellence in Law, Chennai
ABSTRACT
This paper examines the importance of public accountability in the enforcement of labour laws and the resolution of labour grievances in India. It focuses on how mechanisms like the Right to Information (RTI) Act and the Ombudsman system contribute to transparency and effective enforcement. RTI allows workers and unions to access information about labour law compliance, thereby fostering accountability within labour enforcement agencies. The Ombudsman system provides an avenue for workers to address grievances concerning delays, non-compliance, or corruption in enforcement. Drawing on key labour laws such as the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the Factories Act, 1948, and the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the paper discusses the legislative framework for labour law enforcement and the role of public authorities in ensuring compliance. Case laws, including Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India1 and People’s Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India2, are used to highlight the courts' approach to addressing labour violations and ensuring public accountability. International perspectives, including compliance with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), are also considered to illustrate how public accountability can be improved in India’s labour law enforcement system. The study concludes by advocating for stronger public accountability mechanisms to ensure better protection of labour rights and timely resolution of grievances.
Keywords: Public Accountability, Labour Law Enforcement, Right to Information (RTI), Ombudsman, Workers' Rights, Transparency, Grievance Redressal, Workplace Compliance.
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