In an unusual moment of scrutiny, the Karnataka High Court raised concerns over the Karnataka High Court Legal Services Committee (KHLSC) filing an array of public interest litigations (PILs). The observation came during the hearing of a PIL advocating for improved wages and working conditions for part-time daily workers serving in the residences of High Court judges.
Presiding over the matter, Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind remarked on the seemingly high volume of PILs initiated by the legal aid body. “While they are free to file petitions, the sheer number does not sit well with me,” commented the Chief Justice.
The PIL in question dates back to 2014 and highlights the plight of 71 part-time Group D workers employed at judicial residences in Dharwad and Kalaburagi. Initially earning a mere ₹3,000 per month for four hours of daily labor, some workers reportedly endured full-day shifts for the same meager pay. Court intervention eventually aligned their wages with those of permanent Group D employees.
Amid discussions, it emerged that prior Court directives had urged the State to explore benefits under the Karnataka Daily Wage Employee Welfare Act, 2012, and to assess the feasibility of creating permanent positions for the affected workers. However, the Bench acknowledged the challenges in singling out a sub-group for special consideration, as such actions could set precedents for other daily wage earners to demand similar treatment.
State counsel Nilofer Akbar expressed concerns that granting benefits to this group could open floodgates for similar claims. Despite this, the Bench urged the State to clarify its stance by December 5, emphasizing that those already in service deserve at least the minimum pay mandated by law.
This hearing casts a spotlight on the delicate balance between addressing systemic inequities and managing practical constraints in public administration, with the Court seeking an equitable resolution to this pressing matter.
