Rush Hour: Kerala not to implement Centre’s labour codes, Assam passes anti-polygamy bill & more

Kerala's Labour Minister V Sivankutty has said the state will not implement the Centre's new labour codes. He said that the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment had convened a meeting of all states last month, during which Kerala reiterated its position against adopting the codes.

The Centre notified the implementation of four labour codes – which replace 29 labour laws – on November 21.

The Centre claims the new codes are aimed at extending coverage of statutory protection to platform workers. This includes need-based minimum wages, non-hazardous working conditions and universal social security entitlements.

However, critics have argued that the codes fail to extend social protection to the vast majority of informal sector workers. Read more.

The Assam government on Thursday passed a bill in the Assembly to ban polygamy. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma contended that the bill is not against Islam, and said that several Muslim-majority countries have also prohibited the practice.

However, Opposition leaders argued that the draft law violated constitutional provisions pertaining to the freedom of religion and the freedom to manage religious affairs.

The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, had been introduced on Tuesday. It proposes up to seven years of imprisonment for persons convicted of polygamy. Further, those found guilty of having concealed their previous marriage can face punishment of up to ten years' imprisonment.

Sarma on Thursday also said that if he returns as chief minister, he will introduce a Uniform Civil Code in the first session of the Assembly. Read more.

The Supreme Court has said that it does not have a “magic wand” to solve the air pollution crisis in Delhi. Chief Justice Surya Kant said that there are several causes for the deteriorating air quality, and it is up to scientists and experts to find a solution to the problem.

“I know this [pollution] is hazardous for Delhi-NCR,” Kant told amicus curiae Aparajita Singh. “...Tell me, what can we direct so that there is clean air immediately.”

The court made the remarks on a day when Delhi's air quality index was recorded at the higher end of the “very poor” category. A day earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management withdrew the Stage 3 restrictions, citing improved air quality.

The restrictions under the GRAP 1 and GRAP 2 remain in force. Read more.

Former AIADMK leader KA Sengottaiyan has joined actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, a day after resigning as the Gobichettipalayam MLA. The nine-time MLA had been with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for nearly 50 years, but was removed on October 31 following internal differences.

In September, Sengottaiyan had publicly urged AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami to consider reinstating expelled leaders, including O Panneerselvam, TTV Dhinakaran and VK Sasikala, arguing that wider reconciliation would strengthen the organisation.

He was relieved of his responsibilities in the organisation at the time and later expelled for violating party discipline.

On Thursday, Sengottaiyan was appointed as the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's secretary for four districts – Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur and the Nilgiris. Read more.

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Source: Scroll
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