‘Need to work in tandem’: Telangana Chief Justice on trafficking, bonded labour

At a judicial colloquium in Secunderabad, Telangana High Court Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to combat human trafficking and bonded labour. He stressed that rescue efforts alone are insufficient; survivors require ongoing support to prevent re-exploitation. The one-day event, organized by the Telangana State Judicial Academy and supported by the International Justice Mission, gathered over 255 participants from various sectors, including judiciary, police, and civil society.

Tsja president Moushumi Bhattacharya denounced bonded labour, stating it has no place in a civilized society. Police Academy director Abhilasha Bisht highlighted the intergenerational nature of bonded labour, explaining how families trapped in debt could pass the burden to even young children. Divya Devarajan, CEO of Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty, recalled rescuing a five-year-old child in bonded labour during her first operation in 2013.

High Court judges, including B. Vijaysen Reddy, and Women Safety Wing DIG Viswajit Kampati shared their experiences addressing bonded labour. Tsja CEO Loretta Babu of IJM addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of a multi-departmental approach to tackle the issue effectively.