Shree Amrutvahini Gramvikas Mandal, Ahilyanagar, in collaboration with International Justice Mission (IJM), organized a Legal Capacity Building Workshop on Bonded Labour Laws in Nashik on 26 August 2026.
The workshop brought together Public Prosecutors and Government Pleaders with the objective of strengthening their understanding of bonded labour laws, judicial procedures, victim rights, and effective legal intervention in cases involving bonded labour and human trafficking.
Focus on Bonded Labour Laws and Victim-Centred Justice
The training sessions focused on important legal and practical aspects related to the identification, prosecution, and resolution of bonded labour cases. Participants received guidance on:
- Key provisions of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
- Laws related to bonded labour and human trafficking
- Judicial procedures involved in bonded labour cases
- Important court judgments and legal precedents
- Rights and protection of bonded labour survivors
- Victim-centred approaches to legal proceedings
- Effective prosecution and coordination among concerned authorities
The sessions were conducted by Adv. Renita Menezes (IJM) and Adv. Halina Thorat (IJM), who provided detailed legal insights and practical guidance to the participants.
Inaugural Guidance and Participation
The workshop was inaugurated in the presence of Smt. Kiran P. Bendbhar, Assistant Director, Directorate of Public Prosecution, Nashik, who provided valuable guidance on strengthening the legal response to bonded labour cases.
The participation of Public Prosecutors and Government Pleaders created an important platform for discussing challenges faced during legal proceedings and identifying ways to improve the delivery of justice to survivors.
Interactive Sessions, Feedback and Panel Discussion
The workshop also included a post-session feedback session and Panel Discussion/Q&A, allowing participants to share their experiences, raise questions, and discuss practical challenges related to bonded labour cases.
The discussions highlighted the importance of effective coordination between legal authorities, law enforcement agencies, government departments, civil society organizations, and rehabilitation systems.
Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that survivors of bonded labour receive appropriate legal protection and support while their cases are pursued through the justice system.
Strengthening the Justice System for Bonded Labour Survivors
The workshop was especially significant as the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 completes 50 years. The milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in eliminating bonded labour and to strengthen awareness and implementation of the law.
Building the capacity of Public Prosecutors and Government Pleaders is an important step toward ensuring that bonded labour cases are handled effectively and that survivors can access justice, protection, and rehabilitation.
Through this initiative, Shree Amrutvahini Gramvikas Mandal reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the rescue, rehabilitation, legal protection, and justice of bonded labour survivors and to strengthening the capacity of legal and institutional stakeholders working in this field.
A Step Towards Stronger Legal Action Against Bonded Labour
The Legal Capacity Building Workshop served as a meaningful platform for legal professionals and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, strengthen their understanding of bonded labour legislation, and discuss effective approaches to victim-centred justice.
Such capacity-building initiatives can play a significant role in improving legal responses to bonded labour, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and ensuring that survivors receive the protection and justice they are entitled to under the law.
Help Us Reach More Villages
Your support powers our healthcare, education, and women-empowerment programs across rural Maharashtra.
Support Our Work