LLM Notes: How Peoples union for democratic rights works and supreme court judgments delivered on the basis of petitions filed by them?

The People's Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) is a prominent human rights organization in India, primarily focused on defending civil liberties and advocating for democratic rights. Established in 1977, PUDR operates independently of any political affiliations and works to address various human rights issues through legal, social, and public advocacy.

How PUDR Works

1. Legal Advocacy:

   - PUDR engages in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to address violations of human rights and labor laws. They file petitions in courts to seek justice for marginalized communities and individuals who cannot approach the judiciary due to socio-economic barriers.

2. Fact-Finding Missions:

   - The organization conducts investigations into human rights abuses, often sending teams to gather evidence and document conditions faced by affected populations. These reports are crucial for informing their legal actions and raising public awareness.

3. Public Awareness Campaigns:

   - PUDR organizes meetings, seminars, and campaigns to educate the public about their rights under the Constitution and international human rights norms. They aim to mobilize public opinion in favor of democratic rights and social justice.

4. Collaboration:

   - The organization collaborates with other civil society groups, human rights organizations, and activists to strengthen their advocacy efforts and broaden the impact of their work.

5. Membership and Funding:

   - Membership is open to individuals who support PUDR's objectives, with a nominal annual fee. The organization is funded through literature sales, membership fees, and small donations from supporters, avoiding government or foreign funding.

 Landmark Supreme Court Judgments

PUDR has been involved in several landmark cases that have significantly influenced the interpretation of human rights in India. Here are some notable judgments:

1. People's Union for Democratic Rights vs. Union of India (1982):

   - Background: This case arose from a PIL filed by PUDR regarding the exploitation of laborers working on the ASIAD-82 projects in Delhi. The petition highlighted severe violations of labor laws, including unsafe working conditions and non-payment of wages.

   - Judgment: The Supreme Court ruled on September 18, 1982, that violations of labor laws amounted to breaches of fundamental rights under Articles 21 (right to life) and 32 (right to approach the Supreme Court). The court emphasized that the judiciary must be accessible to those whose rights have been violated, particularly marginalized groups who cannot seek redress themselves. This ruling expanded the scope of PILs in India and reinforced the judiciary's role in upholding social justice.

The Supreme Court, in its judgment on September 18, 1982, ruled that violations of labor laws constituted breaches of fundamental rights under Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) and Article 32 (right to approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights). This case significantly expanded the interpretation of these articles to include the right to a dignified life and livelihood.

2. People's Union for Democratic Rights vs. State of Bihar (1986):

   - Background: In this case, PUDR challenged the practices of custodial violence and illegal detention in Bihar. The organization sought to bring attention to human rights abuses perpetrated by state authorities.

   - Outcome: The Supreme Court addressed issues related to unlawful detention and the treatment of prisoners, reinforcing the importance of adhering to legal standards in custodial settings.

3. People's Union for Democratic Rights vs. Union of India & Others (1983):

   - Background: Following up on their earlier case regarding labor rights, PUDR continued to advocate for the enforcement of labor laws and protections against exploitation.

   - Outcome: The court reiterated its commitment to protecting workers' rights and emphasized that any violation by employers or state authorities would be met with judicial scrutiny.

These cases exemplify PUDR's commitment to advocating for human rights through legal channels, highlighting systemic issues faced by marginalized communities and ensuring accountability from state authorities.

Print Page