Author(s): Mihir Umesh Inamdar, Abhijeet Ramkrishna Dhere
The constitutional ideals of social justice, equality, and dignity are inseparably bound up with the economic and social rights of Indian migrants. The urban economy of India relies heavily on migrant labour, particularly in the construction, manufacturing, and unorganized retail sectors. However, migrant workers' structural vulnerabilities, such as sudden displacement, livelihood loss, and limited access to basic entitlements, were exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Examining Articles 14,15,16,19 and 21 as well as the Directive Principles of State Policy, this study examines the constitutional framework that protects the socio-economic rights of migrants. Incorporating arguments from the Constituent Assembly and Supreme Court rulings, the research shows how the right to life and dignity has been widened through judicial interpretation of constitutional principles to encompass housing, health, and movement. Inter-State labour registries, adaptable social security benefits, and inclusive labour laws are some of the systemic reforms that the study delves into further (Dhal, 2020). The study looks at the best ways to preserve migrants' socio-economic rights around the world by comparing the constitutions of nations including Sweden, Portugal, Canada and Germany. By adopting doctrinal methodology and analytical comparative approach, the research seeks to connect the dots between the constitutional guarantees and the actual experiences of migrant workers in India.