PIL Before Delhi HC Alleging Jobs Advertised On The Delhi Government's Portal Pay Salaries Below The Minimum Wage

Case: Md Imran Ahmad vs Government of NCT of Delhi and Anr.

Bench: Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad 

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition was filed alleging that jobs advertised on the Delhi Government's portal pay salaries below the minimum wage prescribed by law. The Delhi High Court has asked the Delhi Government for its position on the matter and has listed the case for further hearing on May 23, 2023. The bench has sought a response from the government in the matter.

Md Imran Ahmad, a law student, filed the PIL before the Delhi High Court in order to protect the fundamental rights of laborers, enforce labor laws, and terminate bonded labor in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The petitioner expressed concern over various job opportunities being advertised on the Government of NCT of Delhi's online job portal, alleging that they are being advertised below the prescribed minimum wage in violation of the government's October 14, 2022 order that fixed the minimum wages per month. The petitioner is seeking protection of the rights of laborers and enforcement of labor laws in order to prevent the exploitation of workers and ensure that they are paid wages in accordance with the law.

The petitioner stated that he had approached the Delhi Government regarding the lawful payment of wages to its employees, but received no response or action from the government.

The petition argued that the non-payment of the minimum wage has resulted in inequality and violates fundamental rights. As a result, the petitioner has asked the bench to direct the Delhi Government to refrain from advertising job vacancies that pay below the minimum wage on the official government portal.

The petition also sought the Court's direction to the government to monitor payments made to all employees under their jurisdiction through modern technology and ensure that all employees receive the prescribed minimum wage.