Prayagraj Seminar Urges Church Institutions to Know Labour Laws and Protect Workers’ Rights

Prayagraj, September 15, 2026: Greater awareness of labour laws, protection of workers’ rights and the responsibility of Church institutions came into focus at a seminar on law, justice and emerging challenges held in Prayagraj.

Organised by the UP, UK, Rajasthan Lawyers Forum at Bishop’s House, Prayagraj, on September 12, the seminar was held on the theme “Law, Justice and Emerging Challenges: Strengthening the Rule of Law”. Bishop (Louis Mascarenhas) of Allahabad presided over the inaugural session, which brought together judges, senior advocates, clergy, principals, and religious sisters and fathers.

Delivering the keynote address on “New Labour Laws: Major Changes, Emerging Challenges and Their Impact”, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Siddharth, sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court, highlighted the importance of labour law, noting that most of the country’s workforce is covered under it.

“Without labour a nation cannot prosper,” he said, pointing to loopholes such as temporary appointments that leave workers insecure. He cautioned that “an insecure labour force never contributes wholeheartedly.”

Justice Siddharth also observed that labour law remains a specialised field poorly understood by many lawyers and judges and is often confused with General Service Law. This, he said, can lead to chaotic judgments and injustice chiefly to labour.

He called for workshops to train judges, lawyers and officials, stressing that good law is of no consequence unless implemented in the true spirit.

In his presidential remarks, Bishop (Louis Mascarenhas) of Allahabad drew a parallel between biblical prophets and the modern pursuit of justice, referring to Moses, who was sent as an advocate to deliver the enslaved Israelites.

He emphasised that priests and religious are called not merely to pray or run institutions, but to “listen to the cries of the people who have been the victims of injustice.”

Urging every priest and sister to study the law of the land, he said, “Unless we know the law, we cannot run our institutions, we cannot do any social work, we cannot even know our rights.”

The Bishop also stressed the need for justice within the Church, noting that Church institutions often face targeting and suspicion, including allegations of conversion. “Put your house in order,” he exhorted, calling for clear terms and conditions for every employee and an end to discrimination under the garb of charity.

He lauded the Allahabad diocese for deciding to pay teachers justly regardless of an institution’s earnings, calling it “the mind of Christ and the mind of the Church.”

Sr. Advocate Gopal Misra delivered a technical address on “New Labour Laws: A Legal Perspective and Practical Implications”, followed by an interactive discussion. A session on POSH and New Updates was also held, followed by an internal business session.

“May justice prevail in our midst; may justice prevail in our institutions,” the Bishop said, thanking the Forum for organising the event.

The seminar brought together the judiciary, legal fraternity and Church representatives for dialogue on labour law, justice and the need to uphold the rule of law.

By Fr. Joel R Fernandes

Allahabad Diocese