44 Workers Seek Justice After 26-Year Legal Battle in Varanasi
Allege Illegal Termination, Demand Pending Wages and Government Intervention
Varanasi: As many as 44 workers led by Mahendra Kumar of Nati Imli, Varanasi, have appealed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for justice, alleging illegal termination from Pritam Khanna Rugs Pvt. Ltd., Chandpur Industrial Estate, over two decades ago.
The workers submitted a memorandum to Ranjit Kesari, National President of the Indian Industrial Trade Association, claiming they were denied basic labour rights including weekly holidays, minimum wages, PF, ESI, salary slips and attendance cards while being forced to work 10–12 hours daily.
According to the workers, after a labour department inquiry and a court verdict in their favour regarding low wages, the company allegedly removed all 44 workers from service on October 11, 2001, and replaced them with new employees.
The matter has reportedly remained pending in the labour court for 26 years. Workers say repeated delays have pushed several affected labourers into severe financial distress, with some dying during the prolonged legal battle.
The workers have demanded payment of 26 years’ pending wages and speedy justice through government intervention.
