Company Law and Human Rights: A Necessity or Redundancy?

Abstract

Company Law and Human Rights Law in India have come a long way since their inception. More often than not it is seen that these two hardly overlap. But is this all? Does it actually have to be this way? Often it is argued that why does Company Law in India has no space/provisions for Human Rights, let alone a few sections for mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility? The counter argument can be because there are other statutes that specifically look after the welfare of the workers be it the payment of minimum wages, maintenance of a proper work environment or even granting of holidays. But is this all? Does a Company only need to look at its own welfare in the long run and thereby provide amenities to its employees? Do basic Human Rights have no place in a Company? Let us have a look at its necessity or redundancy in today’s world.