The Haryana State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has recommended that the Haryana government pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation to Santosh, a 16-year-old bonded labour victim from Bihar's Kishanganj district. The teenager suffered permanent disability after being forced to operate a mechanical chaff cutter, which severed his upper left arm.
Compensation for Rebuilding Life with Dignity
In its May 14 order, the commission acknowledged that while the physical trauma and mental agony endured by the minor cannot be fully undone, the compensation is essential to cover the minimum cost of a prosthetic limb and help him rebuild his life with dignity.
Details of the Case
The case dates back to 2025 when Santosh was rescued after being kept in illegal confinement for over two months by the accused, Anil Kumar. During this period, he was allegedly forced to operate a mechanical chaff cutter for harvesting animal fodder, resulting in the severing of his upper left arm.
The SHRC has directed the additional chief secretary of the Haryana home department to submit a compliance report on the compensation payment at least one week before the next hearing, which is scheduled for August 6.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Yogesh Parshad, counsel for the victim, stated that the investigation has progressed and the accused has repeatedly failed to secure bail. The chargesheet has been filed, and the accused has been denied bail three times: twice at the lower court and once at the sessions court. The next hearing for prosecution evidence is set for July 28 at the Jhajjar sessions court.
Despite the National Human Rights Commission taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, Santosh is yet to receive the bonded labour release certificate nearly 10 months after his rescue. Officials noted that the release certificate should ordinarily be issued within 24 hours of rescue, as it enables victims to access both financial and rehabilitation assistance under bonded labour relief provisions.
