Unequal Law: Sanitation workers at National Law University, Delhi protest illegal termination

On 14 February, workers and students from NLU, Delhi met Gopal Rai, the labour minister of Delhi. Rai asked the university administration for a factual report on the workers’ concerns within a week. The NLU submitted its report on 25 February, way past the deadline. The university’s report reiterated what it has consistently maintained, that it has no legal obligation to the workers since they are employed by a third-party contractor.

NLU’s report also sidestepped allegations of irregularities in the new contract given to a company called the Rajendra Management Group. Rai’s office has now directed NLU to renegotiate with RMG, reinstate all workers, failing which the contract will be cancelled.

Ahan Penkar and Nabeela Paniyath report.