The Delhi High Court has called on both the Central and Delhi Governments to create a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing online processes in forums that deal with labour laws. The Court stressed that such digital facilities will make it easier for people, especially workers and the underprivileged, to access justice.
A division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by young advocates—Arjun Mohan, Deeksha Prakash, and Saimon Farooqui. The petition raised concerns about the irregular uploading of court orders, hearing schedules, video conferencing links, and the absence details of presiding officers in labour forums.
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“If the processes and proceedings before the labour forums are made online, not only will it ensure transparency in functioning but will also provide ease to seek access to justice to the needy,” the Court observed.
The Court appreciated the purpose behind the PIL and noted that various labour laws govern multiple authorities—such as tribunals, quasi-judicial bodies, reconciliation officers, and labour enforcement officers—who play a vital role in protecting the rights of both workers and employers.
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“Technology in the present era can be better utilized for providing access to justice which is one of the goals to achieve in a welfare state,” the bench stated.
Highlighting the power of technology in making justice more accessible, the bench noted that online procedures will benefit individuals who rely on these labour forums for resolving disputes or asserting their rights.
The Court allowed the petitioners to submit a detailed representation to the relevant departments of both the Central and State Governments. The Court also made it clear that the petitioners should list all labour forums in their representation.
“Once such representation is made, the same shall be attended to by the governments at an appropriate level,” the bench directed. “The secretary in charge of the concerned departments will ensure that a decision in the matter is taken.”
Furthermore, the Court stressed the importance of having a unified SOP for all labour forums to adopt online systems. This would ensure consistency and effective implementation across various platforms and authorities.
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“We expect that the respective governments, while considering the representation of the petitioners, shall also prepare a SOP to be followed by different fora under various labour laws for implementing facilities providing for online processes and proceedings,” the Court said.
“We expect that a decision shall be taken by both the governments within three months from the date the representations of the petitioners are received,” the bench concluded while disposing of the petition.
The case, titled Arjun Mohan & Ors v. Union of India & Ors, highlights the growing demand for modernization in India’s justice delivery mechanisms, especially in labour-related matters.
