Supreme Court Upholds Workers' Rights Amid Controversy Over Protests in Noida
State's duty is to ensure ‘living wages’ for workers, not label them as ‘terrorists’: Supreme Court
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
The Supreme Court of India criticized the Uttar Pradesh government's labeling of protesting workers as 'terrorists' during a hearing on May 15, 2026. Justice B.V. Nagarathna emphasized the state's constitutional duty to ensure 'living wages' for workers, highlighting the need for adherence to the Directive Principles of State Policy.
- 01The Supreme Court emphasized that the state should not label protesting workers as terrorists, reinforcing their right to demand fair wages.
- 02Justice Bhuyan referred to Article 43 of the Constitution, which mandates the state to secure a living wage for all workers.
- 03The court ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to produce two detained protesters in court on May 18, 2026, amidst allegations of police torture.
- 04The petitioners argued that multiple FIRs against the protesters were filed without preliminary inquiry, indicating a misuse of the National Security Act.
- 05One detainee, Aditya Anand, was noted for his advocacy for workers' rights and had been involved in community services like running a library.
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On May 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of India addressed the Uttar Pradesh government's treatment of workers who protested for higher wages in Noida on April 13. Justice B.V. Nagarathna, leading a two-judge bench, firmly stated that the government should not label these workers as 'terrorists' for demanding their rights. The court highlighted the constitutional obligation under Article 43, which requires the state to ensure that all workers receive a 'living wage' and decent working conditions. The case arose as family members of detained protesters challenged their arrests under the National Security Act (NSA), arguing that these actions were unjustified and lacked proper investigation. The court has ordered the state to produce two detained individuals in court by May 18, 2026, amid claims of police torture. The case underscores the ongoing struggle for workers' rights in India and the need for the state to uphold its constitutional duties.
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This ruling could influence how the Uttar Pradesh government addresses workers' rights and protests in the future.
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