HARYANA STATE EMPLOYMENT OF LOCAL CANDIDATES ACT, 2020

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed a law passed by the Haryana government in 2020 that provided 75 per cent reservation in private jobs to residents of the state.

EXPLANATION:

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:

  • Unconstitutionality and Violation of Fundamental Rights:
  • The court ruled the Act as unconstitutional and violative of Part III of the Indian Constitution, which encompasses fundamental rights.
  • This Act was seen as discriminatory against individuals who are not residents of a specific state and impinged upon their rights.
  • State Intervention in Private Sector:
  • The judgment highlighted the overreach of the state government into the private sector by attempting to mandate the hiring of local candidates.
  • It was perceived as an intrusion into the freedom of private employers to recruit based on their requirements.
  • Freedom to Conduct Business:
    • The court emphasized Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to carry out business and trade.
    • The Act was seen as an impediment to this freedom for private employers, impacting their ability to hire based on merit and suitability for the job.

ETHICAL AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Equality and Common Citizenship:
    • The Act was criticized for creating divisions among people based on their state of origin, which contradicts the idea of common citizenship enshrined in the Constitution.
    • It was argued that such laws create disparities among citizens and go against the principle of equality.
  • Skill Diversity and Employment Needs:
    • The court illustrated how skill diversity exists across regions, and mandating local hiring could hinder businesses from accessing a diverse skill set essential for their operations.
    • It emphasized that a skilled workforce might be sourced from different parts of the country, and restricting hiring based on domicile is counterproductive.
  • Challenges of Unemployment:
    • While the Haryana government argued that the Act aimed to address local youth unemployment, the court observed that such measures cannot infringe upon the rights of others.
    • It questioned the feasibility of such discriminatory practices in addressing unemployment concerns.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE AND FUTURE STEPS:

  • Legal Recourse:
    • The government expressed intentions to approach the Supreme Court for an appeal (Special Leave Petition – SLP) against the High Court’s decision.
    • This signifies a potential continuation of the legal battle over the policy’s validity.
  • Reviewing Options:
    • The government spokesperson mentioned assessing the detailed court order before deciding on the next course of action.
    • This indicates a need to reconsider strategies regarding employment policies in light of the court’s decision.

CONCLUSION:

  • The High Court’s decision to quash the Haryana law reflects a significant ruling on constitutional and fundamental rights issues.
  • It underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between addressing local unemployment concerns and ensuring equality and freedom in employment opportunities.
  • This ruling may influence future state policies concerning employment quotas and rights of private businesses in recruitment practices across India.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/hc-quashes-haryana-govts-75-percent-quota-in-private-sector-jobs-9031094/

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