HC summons members of panel set up to look into bonded labour

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday summoned two senior members of a vigilance committee set up to look into the issue of bonded labour in the state. During the hearing,the court expressed concern on the lack of access to credit for economically weaker sections of the society.

Chief Justice Shah subsequently said Maharashtra should take a cue from certain other states and neighbouring Bangladesh on the issue of micro-credit. Those who have been asked to remain present in court are senior members of co-operative banks in Thane.

The Bench headed by Chief Justice Mohit Shah was hearing the issue after it had taken note of a recent newspaper article,which brought to light a case of bonded labour.

According to the report,a Katkari tribal named Jhipru Mukane died recently in Shahpur in Thane district after being tortured and kept in confinement.