Supreme Court Reprimands Jammu And Kashmir Administration Over Delayed Regularization Of Daily Wage Earners

The Supreme Court has sharply criticized the Jammu and Kashmir administration for its failure to regularize daily wage earners, despite a 2007 High Court order.

The court expressed disappointment over the administration’s refusal to comply with the directive, labeling it a display of ‘stubbornness and obstinate attitude’.

During the hearing, a bench of Justice Suryakant and Justice N Kotishwar Singh emphasized that, instead of fulfilling the court’s decision in favor of laborers who have worked for 14 to 19 years, the state government has subjected them to unnecessary harassment.

The bench remarked that the state’s vague orders had exacerbated the situation.

The judges stated, “We are bound to believe that the present case is a clear example of the stubbornness of state officials.”

They also described the delay as ‘shocking’ and potentially amounting to contempt of court, noting it had taken 16 years for the government to comply with a relatively simple High Court order.

Supreme Court Advocates Heavy Fines For Guilty Officials

The bench called for the imposition of heavy fines on the officials responsible for the delay, stressing that this case should serve as a precedent.

However, since contempt proceedings are still ongoing in the High Court, the Supreme Court refrained from issuing any immediate orders.

Also Read: Delhi High Court Disposes Of WFI Petition; Restores Recognition

In a move aimed at expediting the process, the Supreme Court has directed the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to hear the case every week.

Case Background

On December 4, 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had rejected the state government’s petition against an October 16, 2024, order.

The petition, filed in response to a contempt case initiated by daily wage laborers in 2010, noted the administration’s failure to comply with the 2007 High Court order.

Despite the prolonged delay, the authorities have yet to regularize the laborers, prompting the ongoing legal battle.