Bonded labour remains one of the most severe forms of labour exploitation and human rights violations in India. Despite constitutional guarantees and legislative measures aimed at eradicating forced labour, the practice continues to exist in various sectors of the economy. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 was enacted to abolish the bonded labour system, extinguish bonded debts, and provide mechanisms for the identification, release, and rehabilitation of bonded labourers. The Act represents a significant legislative effort toward securing human dignity, social justice, and freedom from exploitation. However, decades after its enactment, bonded labour persists due to poverty, illiteracy, migration, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate rehabilitation measures. This paper examines the historical background of bonded labour in India, analyses the major provisions of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and evaluates its implementation. The study further identifies the challenges faced in enforcing the Act and highlights the role of the judiciary and governmental institutions in combating bonded labour. The paper concludes with recommendations aimed at strengthening implementation and ensuring the effective realization of the objectives of the Act.
Keywords : Bonded Labour, Forced Labour, Human Dignity, Rehabilitation, Labour Rights, Social Justice.