Author: Kavya Kushwaha, Atal Bihari Vajpayee School of Legal Studies, CSJM University
TO THE POINT
The modification made in labour laws and recognition of human rights continuously acting as a mode for protecting the rights of the workers, the convergence of labour law and human rights draws a attention towards the critical issues, especially for the workers who are working under the precarious work condition. The “right to life and livelihood” guaranteed under the Indian constitution which incorporates the principle of social justice and human dignity. The intersection of labour law with the human rights acts as a safeguarding and protecting the vulnerable sections of the workforce and their rights.
ABSTRACT
Labour laws which are currently ongoing in India acts a primary instrument for safeguarding workers rights, especially focusing on the welfare and fair treatment and equal footing in the workplace. Human rights which are primarily focusing on the protecting the dignity of human mankind and their combination with the current labour laws acts as vehicle for safeguarding the workers right.
In contemporary landscape of India’s workforce, the merger of labour law with the human right protects and guaranteed the right to life which implies the right of workers. The constitution Article 14,19,21 provide a framework for labour rights ensuring and emphasizes equality, freedom of association and the right to dignified life. In the case of people union for democratic Rights v. Union of India in which the apex court recognised these rights and reinforce the notion that dignified life is integral to the concept of survival.
USE OF LEGAL JAGRON
Labour law tackles the issue relating to the rights of workers and ensures the protection of workers right in the light of human rights. The convergence of labour law and human rights in India is deeply rooted in constitutional jurisprudence and statutory interpretation.
Articles 14, 19, 21, 23, and 24 of the Constitution of India form the human rights foundation for labour protection by ensuring equality before law, freedom of association, right to life with dignity, and prohibition of forced and child labour. Labour legislations such as the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020operationalize these constitutional mandates.
Globally India has ratified international Convention includes UDHR which provides for the right to work and just conditional works while ICESCR obligate state to ensure the right to Social Security and fair wages. Concepts such as “decent work,” “social security,” and “right to livelihood” demonstrate the normative overlap between labour law and human rights law, reinforcing the protection of workers beyond contractual obligations.
THE PROOF
Indian labour law derives its legitimacy not only from statutory enactments but also from constitutional human rights principles. The Supreme Court has consistently interpreted labour rights as an extension of fundamental rights, particularly Article 21, which guarantees the right to life with dignity. This interpretation expands the scope of labour law to include humane working conditions, fair wages, and social security.
The persistence of informal employment, migrant labour exploitation, and unsafe working environments highlights the limitations of a purely regulatory labour law approach. By incorporating human rights standards, labour law gains a moral and constitutional dimension that strengthens enforcement mechanisms. Human rights-based labour protection emphasizes state accountability, non-discrimination, and access to justice, ensuring that workers rights are not reduced to mere statutory entitlements but are recognized as fundamental human rights.
CASE LAWS
People’s Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (1982) : It is a landmark Indian Supreme Court case that expanded Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and redefined “forced labour” under Article 23, holding that not paying minimum wages to exploited construction workers (for the 1982 Asian Games) constituted a violation of fundamental rights, emphasizing the state’s duty to protect workers from contractors and ensure dignity and fair conditions.
The case established a direct link between labour rights and fundamental human rights, reinforcing the idea that economic exploitation violates human dignity.
Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India (1984)
The Court recognized bonded labour as a violation of Article 21 and directed the State to ensure rehabilitation of affected workers.This case emphasized the human rights approach to labour welfare and state responsibility.
Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)
The Supreme Court held that the right to livelihood is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21.This judgment expanded labour protection by recognizing livelihood security as a human right.
Consumer Education and Research Centre v. Union of India (1995)
The Court ruled that the right to health and safe working conditions falls within the ambit of Article 21.It reinforced the obligation of employers and the State to protect workers’ health as a human rights concern.
CONCLUSION
The convergence of labour law and human rights has substantially transformed the legal landscape governing workers’ rights in India. Constitutional jurisprudence, progressive legislation, and judicial activism collectively affirm that labour rights are inseparable from human dignity and social justice. This integrated framework is indispensable for addressing contemporary challenges such as informalization of labour, contractual precarity, and systemic exploitation.
Nevertheless, the effective realization of these rights demands robust enforcement mechanisms, institutional accountability, and heightened legal awareness among workers. By embedding human rights principles within labour governance, India can advance inclusive economic development while upholding the constitutional vision of justice—social, economic, and political.
FAQS
1.What does the convergence of labour law and human rights signify?
It signifies the recognition of labour rights as fundamental human rights grounded in dignity, equality, and social justice.
2. Which constitutional provisions protect workers’ rights in India?
Articles 14, 19(1), 21, 23, and 24, along with the Directive Principles of State Policy.
3. Why is a human rights-based approach essential in labour law?
It enhances enforceability, ensures state accountability, and protects workers against systemic exploitation.
