BONDED LABOUR-Freedom without Rehabilitation


ing a distorted version of the facts, not borne out by the record", The court chose not to express any opinion on the fate of Paul and Daniel, as it has directed the matter to criminal prosecution. Nevertheless it said that "they have not met with a tragic end in an encounter as is usually claimed and the only possible inference that can be drawn is that both must have met an unnatural death". Though the court granted the prayers of the petitioners with regard to the compensation and criminal prosecution, it did not grant the prayer to prosecute the Defence Ministry for BONDED LABOUR perjury and distortion of facts. The court rejected the final plea of the Attorney General for further adjournment for it only means "to shut the eyes to the reality and to pursue a mirage" For Thungkhuila Daniel and Vangamla Paul, perhaps, there never was a mirage. Yet the historic judgement of the Supreme Court would have served its purpose if it makes democratic public opinion more sensitive to life and death in the disturbed areas of North- Eastern India.