Refusing to accept resignation amounts to bonded labour: Kerala HC

In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has declared that refusing to accept an employee's resignation can be equated to bonded labour, highlighting a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of choice in employment. The court's decision arose from a case involving a nurse who sought to resign from her position. The judge emphasized that an employer's refusal to permit an employee to exit their role violates constitutional rights and can create a coercive environment akin to bonded labour, which is prohibited under Indian law. This landmark judgment not only reinforces the legal framework surrounding employment rights but also sends a strong message to employers about the importance of respecting an employee's decision to resign. The court's ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for workplace practices across various sectors, urging employers to foster an environment where workers can make voluntary choices regarding their employment status without fear of retribution or coercion.