The question (12 marks)
A State employs villagers on famine-relief work to build an irrigation canal and pays them less than the minimum wage fixed for such work, the State pleading that the employment is itself a relief measure. The contractor engaged for the stone-breaking employs boys of twelve and thirteen, who are paid through a middleman who deducts a commission. A social action group writes a letter to the Supreme Court setting out these facts. Advise the group on the constitutional provisions available, and state what the Court may hold. (12 marks)
MU Module III; pack ch. 03 'right against exploitation, Articles 23 and 24'.
Plan your answer on paper before you look at the authorities — issue first, then the rule, then apply it to these facts.
It tests Unit 3 · Fundamental Rights II: Exploitation, Religion, Minorities, Remedies and Savings of Constitutional Law – I.
Authorities you will need
- Article 23, Constitution of India
- Article 24, Constitution of India
- Article 32, Constitution of India
- People's Union for Democratic Rights v Union of India
- Sanjit Roy v State of Rajasthan
- Bandhua Mukti Morcha v Union of India
- M.C. Mehta v State of Tamil Nadu
- Article 39(e) and (f), Constitution of India
How an answer is marked
A full-marks answer names the issue in one line, states the rule with its section, cites the authority, applies it to these facts and concludes — in that order. The app's model answer for this question is written in exactly that shape, with a checklist to mark your own attempt against.