Hisar, July 31: The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has launched a formal inquiry into the death of four children and injuries to three others after a brick kiln wall collapsed in Budana village on the night of December 22, 2023. All victims belonged to migrant labour families from Uttar Pradesh.
HHRC chairperson Justice Lalit Batra, while acting on a complaint filed by activist KS Nagra, said the incident raised serious human rights concerns. The commission, in its preliminary observations, noted that the victims’ families appeared to be working and living in conditions akin to bonded labour.
“The brick kiln owner holds a statutory and moral duty to ensure safety at the workplace — particularly for labourers and their families residing within or near the premises,” the commission said in its order. “This tragedy is not just a safety lapse, but a grave violation of human rights, especially the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution and protections under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.”
The HHRC has issued multiple directives to state officials. The Hisar deputy commissioner has been asked to confirm whether compensation has been disbursed to the affected families, and if not, to indicate under which schemes assistance could be provided.
The Hisar superintendent of police has been directed to submit a report on whether an FIR was registered in connection with the incident and the current status of any investigation.
Further, the assistant labour commissioner has been tasked with investigating the possible use of bonded labour at the kiln and taking appropriate remedial steps. The district food and supplies officer has been asked to review and report on the kiln’s operational and inspection history. The regional officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board must also file a report on the site’s compliance with environmental norms.
The brick kiln owner has been summoned to explain the absence of basic safety measures and the inadequate living conditions provided to workers.
All relevant authorities have been given eight weeks to submit their findings. The matter will next be heard on October 14.
