Supreme Court Refuses Welfare Directives for Domestic Helps, Cites Legislative Domain

• The Supreme Court declined a PIL seeking a legal framework and minimum wages for domestic workers, stating it cannot direct the Centre and states to amend laws.
• The bench, comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, acknowledged the plight of domestic helps but maintained that the judiciary cannot encroach on legislative powers.
• CJI Kant criticized trade unionism, blaming it for hindering industrial growth and causing closure of traditional industries.
• The court suggested that petitioners, including Penn Thozhilalargal Sangam, should continue to highlight the issue to stakeholders for a suitable mechanism.
• The CJI expressed concerns that enforcing minimum wages could lead to litigation for households and unintended negative consequences.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court refuses to mandate welfare laws for domestic workers, emphasizing judicial non-interference in legislative matters.