Haseeb Javed
It is pertinent to point out that a number of laws are already in place regulating and prohibiting the employment of minor children at any workplace, including bonded labour, and the pledging of minors. In addition to that, Article 25-A of the Constitution provides for compulsory provision of education to the same. Another law, specifically relating to the domestic workers, has already been presented to the Senate for its approval, and the same relates only to the Islamabad Capital Territory. However, in utter disregard of these laws, people are hiring minors for work since they are easy to be trained.
In this aspect, the most ironic fact is the blatant violation of all these laws by a sitting Judge of the most senior judicial forum in a district. The Honorable Him has completely disregarded the provisions of various laws and has not only hired a minor girl of around ten years for working at home but also paid money to her alleged family members, thus, partaking in the gruesome and deplorable activity of bonded labour and pledging of workers. This amounts to the violation of the laws as well as the clear provisions of Constitution by someone who himself is sitting at the highest position in a district (having equivalent power as that of a District Judge, excluding the power to regulate administrative affairs) of the most sacred institution in this country — the judiciary.
As soon as the news started floating about the brutality being done with the minor victim, it was further reported that struggles were being made to save the Judge, and soon after which the family members suddenly appeared and settled the matter, and declared the case as baseless. No one had the audacity to verify the details of victim’s alleged parents, but the august Supreme Court, who has taken a suo motu action, and after calling the record, has ordered to conduct DNA test of the parents.
This entire episode highlights the epitome of hypocrisy that we, as human beings, breed and live by. It is appalling to witness an act of such grave injustice being done by someone who carries upon himself the responsibility, and undoubtedly the burden, to grant justice to the people; who is under an oath to uphold the word of law; who has taken upon himself the obligation to be fair; whose duty it is to protect the rights of the people; whose honorrequires us to bow before him; whose integrity we don’t question; who is an ‘Honorable’ person for he is part of an institution whose very existence is considered sacred.
Let us hope that the action taken by the Supreme Court bears fruit for not only the victim of this case but for several others who are forced into bonded labour but whose voices are never heard. It is imperative that the precedent set by the Supreme Court be used a cornerstone to bring an end to the cases of child labour and domestic violence, and bring forth legislation to cater for such situations, which is the need of the hour.
Concluded
