A Gurgaon court has granted bail to three workers who were accused of participating in violent clashes that erupted in Manesar on April 9. The court stated that demanding higher wages in view of the rising cost of living is not an offence.
Court's Observations on Wage Demands
Additional Sessions Judge Gagan Geet Kaur, in an order dated May 30, expressed concern over the plight of the dependants of the accused. The court noted the irony of the system, observing: "It is a matter of serious and sensitive consideration how the families and children of the migrant workers, who have been confined in jail for participating in a protest seeking higher wages, would have survived without their salaries."
Arguments by Defence Counsel
Shahrukh Alam, who represented the workers along with Vrinda Grover, submitted that none of the workers had any previous criminal records. He described them as simple workers raising a demand for a wage hike. Alam further added that the police had imposed stringent sections in the FIR despite having no substantial evidence to support the allegations.
Court's Ruling on Presence at Protest
The judge noted that mere presence at the protest site did not automatically establish participation in any violent act. The court said: "The applicant was present at the site solely to exercise his fundamental right to peaceful assembly and to voice support for a legitimate demand for wage increases."
Police's Opposition and Court's Rejection
The police argued that the accused had hatched a conspiracy through WhatsApp messages to commit arson and provoke their colleagues. They opposed bail, stating that since the workers were migrants, they could disappear and influence witnesses. However, the court rejected these arguments, stating that whether the protest was organised as part of a conspiracy was a matter to be determined during trial, and the workers could not be kept in jail solely based on suspicion.
Bail Granted
The court concluded: "No useful purpose will be served in keeping them behind bars," and granted bail to Raj Kumar (32), Vivek Kumar (24), and Shyambir (50).
About the Author
Bagish Jha is an Assistant Editor with The Times of India. Since 2015, he has been covering infrastructure, governance, administration, judiciary, taxation, and public issues, with a strong focus on South Haryana. His journalistic journey began in Nagpur, and prior to his current role in the National Capital Region, he reported extensively from Indore and across Madhya Pradesh. An alumnus of Nagpur University, Jha's reporting consistently highlights systemic irregularities and gaps in government policies, with a particular focus on their impact on citizens. Through his work, he continues to serve as a vital link between policy and people, striving to make governance more transparent and accountable.
