HC awards 3-year RI to accused in bonded labour case

The Madras High Court on Tuesday set aside the acquittal of a rice mill owner's son and sentenced him to three years rigorous imprisonment for engaging six scheduled caste people as bonded labourers.

Justice P Velmurugan also directed Selvakumar of Thirukalukundram in Kancheepuram district to pay a compensation of Rs 50,000 each to the six rescued bonded labourers.

The judge on August 22 had convicted Selvakumar, setting aside his acquittal by a trial court in 2012 and had posted the matter for today for pronouncement of the quantum of punishment.

He allowed an appeal filed by Manjula, one of the victims, against the July 30, 2012, judgment of acquittal made by the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Chengalpet.

"Considering the serious nature of the offence and also, the statement now produced by the accused, this court finds no mitigative circumstances... Therefore, this court is inclined to impose sentence on the accused and accordingly he shall undergo RI for a period of 3 years," the judge said in the order.

Selvakumar and his father Murugesa Naicker had forced the six people to work in his mill as bonded labour by giving an advance of Rs 3,000 in 2006, according to the prosecution.

They did not pay the minimum wage and the appellant, Manjula, along with the other victims, could not provide for their basic needs. They were compelled to work for more time per day.

When they asked for minimum wages, the owner locked them up in the mill premises and harassed them, causing huge damage to the victims physically and mentally, the prosecution said.

Police had registered a case against the mill's owner and his son, for offences under Sections 16 and 17 of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and Section 3 (1) (x) of the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

During the pendency of the trial, Murugesa Naicker died and the charges against him were abated.

The lower court acquitted Selvakumar against which Manjula filed criminal appeal before the high court.