ORDER

1. We have heard Mr Kapil Sibal, Senior Advocate who appears at our request as amicus curiae in this matter as well as the other learned counsel appearing in this case. It does appear to us that no significant progress has been made by the authorities concerned and it is not unlikely that the attitude of the authorities concerned is not enthusiastic as one would expect in a matter of such significance. In these circumstances, we consider it appropriate to make certain directions for the prompt compliance of all the State Governments through their administrative machinery. Thus, the directions which are hereby given are as under-

(1) To identify the bonded labourers and update the existing list of such bonded labourers as well as to identify the villages where this practice is prevalent.

(2) To identify the employers exploiting the bonded labourers and to initiate appropriate criminal proceedings against such employers.

(3) To extinguish/discharge any existing debt and or bonded liability and to ensure them an alternative means of livelihood.

(4) To appoint an independent body such as a local non-political social action group to collect independent information and details of-

(a) th