In a notable gesture of integrity, former Supreme Court Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre recently declined a ₹20 lakh payment for his involvement in resolving a long-standing dispute regarding the wages of tea estate workers in several states, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam. The case, which had been ongoing for over a decade, stemmed from a 2006 petition by the International Union of Food and Agricultural Workers, which sought the disbursal of pending wages and dues for tea garden workers. The case received significant attention, both for its human rights implications and for the long delay in ensuring justice for the workers.
Background of the Tea Workers’ Wage Dispute
The dispute regarding the wages of tea estate workers dates back to 2006 when the International Union of Food and Agricultural Workers filed a petition. The workers had not received their due wages and allowances, which created a considerable hardship for their families. Despite multiple efforts by the courts, including an order by the Supreme Court in 2010 directing the central government to ensure payment, compliance remained a major issue. In 2012, the petitioner again approached the top court, alleging non-compliance with the initial order.
The situation remained unresolved for several years, leading the Supreme Court to appoint a One-Member Committee in 2020, headed by Justice Sapre, to facilitate the settlement of the claims of the workers. The appointment of a dedicated committee was seen as a necessary step to expedite the process, given the complexity and scale of the issue.
Justice Sapre’s Role and Refusal of ₹20 Lakh Payment
In recognition of his efforts, the Supreme Court had ordered the states involved—West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam—to make a payment of ₹5 lakh each to Justice Sapre for his dedicated work. This amount was meant as compensation for his “huge efforts” in ensuring that the workers received their overdue wages. However, in a surprising turn of events, Justice Sapre refused to accept the ₹20 lakh payment, citing the significance of the cause and his commitment to the welfare of the workers.
Justice Sapre’s decision to forgo the payment was hailed by many, including the Supreme Court. On April 23, 2025, a bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan issued an order recognizing and appreciating the gesture. The Court noted that Justice Sapre’s action not only demonstrated his personal integrity but also highlighted his unwavering dedication to the cause of the underprivileged workers.
In their ruling, the judges expressed admiration for the former judge’s principled stand. “We record our appreciation not only for this gesture but also for the services rendered by Hon’ble Retired Judge for the cause of poor workers in tea states,” the Court stated.
Court Directs Disbursement of Funds for Welfare of Widows
In light of Justice Sapre’s refusal to accept the payment, the Supreme Court took a remarkable step by directing that the ₹20 lakh amount meant for him be disbursed for the welfare of widows of tea estate workers. This decision was aimed at providing some relief to the families who had suffered from the prolonged non-payment of dues.
The Court directed the concerned state governments—Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam—to identify deserving cases where widows of deceased tea estate workers were facing significant financial hardships. The assistance would be distributed with the help of the appointed Amicus Curiae, Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal, who had been actively involved in the case.
The Court also instructed the state of West Bengal to follow the same procedure once a report regarding its pending cases was submitted. This decision was a significant step in ensuring that the funds originally allocated for Justice Sapre’s payment were instead used for a humanitarian cause, directly benefiting those who had suffered most due to the delay in resolving the dispute.
The Long Road to Justice
The tea workers’ wage dispute had been a longstanding issue, with the workers’ demands for overdue payments stretching back several years. Despite multiple orders from the Supreme Court, including one in 2018 directing the states to settle the dues, the payment was only partially implemented. As a result, the Court had to appoint Justice Sapre to oversee the settlement process.
Justice Sapre’s efforts were instrumental in pushing the states towards fulfilling their obligations. Periodically, he submitted progress reports to the Court, detailing the steps taken and the compliance of various parties. His work was not only legally significant but also crucial in ensuring that the workers received the compensation they were entitled to.
Legal and Social Implications
This case highlights the intersection of law and social justice, particularly in the context of labor rights. The tea estate workers, many of whom belong to marginalized communities, had long been denied their rightful wages. The Court’s intervention, and Justice Sapre’s commitment to ensuring the settlement of their claims, underscores the role of the judiciary in protecting the rights of vulnerable groups.
Moreover, Justice Sapre’s decision to decline the ₹20 lakh payment and the Court’s subsequent redirection of the funds to help widows of tea estate workers speaks volumes about the ethical considerations that guide the actions of public officials. The case serves as a powerful reminder that justice is not just about legal compliance but also about ensuring that the benefits of legal processes reach those who need them the most.
Conclusion
The refusal of former Justice AM Sapre to accept the ₹20 lakh payment is a remarkable example of judicial integrity and compassion. His gesture not only underscores his commitment to the cause of the tea workers but also reflects the broader responsibility of the judiciary to act in the public interest. By directing the funds to the welfare of widows of tea estate workers, the Supreme Court has reinforced the notion that justice must extend beyond the courtroom, directly addressing the needs of society’s most vulnerable.
This case stands as a testament to the importance of ethical leadership and the positive impact that the judiciary can have on addressing long-standing social injustices. The workers in the tea estates, who had long waited for their overdue wages, can now look forward to some relief, thanks to the tireless efforts of individuals like Justice Sapre and the continued vigilance of the Supreme Court.
