Advocate fights labour cases for free in Bagalkot

BAGALKOT: This 70-year-old advocate in Jamakhandi, Bagalkot district, has won accolades for taking up labour cases for free.
Ravindra Hanlingali strives to provide justice to the working class by working for the implementation of minimum salary, job security, bonus and gratuity and compensation for accident for workers in the sugar, cement and handloom industry in the twin districts of Vijayapura and Bagalkot.He has also been instrumental in setting up several labour organisations.
In 1979, he successfully fought the case of 16 workers, who were arrested for the strike in Sameervadi sugar factory. Mallikarjun Heggalagi, who was labour association president of the factory then, remembers Ravindra’s great help. “He didn’t charge our co-workers and gave justice by reinstating labourers in the factory.
He worked for the cause of beedi workers in Jamakhandi where once existed a large number of manufacturing units.
Ravindra started legal practice in 1976 at the Jamakhandi court. It was trade union leader MS Krishnan from Bengaluru who inspired him to take up labour cases for free. “When Krishnan visited Jamakhandi while I started my practice, he advised me to do free legal service for the working class. Till day, I have been dedicated to the cause,” he said.
In 1986, Ravindra got the job of public prosecutor in Jamakhandi, but declined the offer as per the suggestion of his guru, Krishnan.
Ravindra also takes up general law and land disputes cases and takes fee without concession in these assignments.
He has participated in some international workers’ conferences and guiding various labour organisations as their legal advisor. Ravindra has also authored books on labour issues.