In PEOPLE'S UNION FOR DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS v. UNION OF INDIA (ASIAD WORKERS CASE), AIR 1982 SC 1473, the Supreme Court held that:
Aonly formal employment is recognised (cf. People's Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (Asiad Workers Case), AIR 1982 SC 1473)
Bpayment of LESS THAN MINIMUM WAGE to construction workers building the Asian Games stadia is FORCED LABOUR violating Article 23 of the Constitution
Cconstruction work is non-essential (cf. People's Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (Asiad Workers Case), AIR 1982 SC 1473)
Dminimum wage laws are advisory (cf. People's Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (Asiad Workers Case), AIR 1982 SC 1473)
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. payment of LESS THAN MINIMUM WAGE to construction workers building the Asian Games stadia is FORCED LABOUR violating Article 23 of the Constitution
1. In PUDR v. UoI (Asiad Workers Case, 1982), the Supreme Court considered the conditions of workers building venues for the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi.
2. The Court (per Bhagwati J.) held: payment of LESS THAN THE MINIMUM WAGE prescribed by law amounts to FORCED LABOUR within Article 23 (prohibition of forced labour) of the Constitution.
3. The judgment widened Article 23 to cover economic compulsion as forced labour.
4. The Court extended the standing rules — public-spirited persons could file PILs on behalf of disadvantaged workers.
5. Hence option B is correct.
_Source: International HR Treaties + Indian Constitutional Jurisprudence — People's Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (Asiad Workers Case), AIR 1982 SC 1473_
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