P. SIVASWAMY vs STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

The Supreme Court held that under Section 4 of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, every bonded labourer is freed from obligations upon the Act's commencement. The Court treated a letter alleging bonded labour in Andhra Pradesh as a writ petition and directed the State to identify and rehabilitate bonded labourers. Following the Court's orders, approximately 2200 bonded labourers were freed and arrangements were made for their transport and rehabilitation, with further reports required from the State Governments involved.