A top official of the Sports Authority of India, Hardip Singh Kingra, tells VOA it wants to "ensure all labor laws are followed." But he contends it is the Central Public Works Department which has the responsibility to implement them.

The chief engineer of the CPWD, V.K. Gupta, brushes off the committee's findings, calling violations "isolated cases" and contends that "by and large" the law is being followed. But he says, in reaction to the allegations, trade units "have been sensitized" to the need for observing workers' rights.

Despite some pessimism that the legal process will drag on until after the Games begin in October, attorney Tariq Adeeb expects quick results because of the Delhi court's attention to the alleged exploitation.

"Things will change definitely in a positive way because, on the next date of hearing, the court will direct the government to look after these workers because it is the responsibility of the government and the state," said Adeeb.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 7.

A report submitted to the court says there have been 43 deaths at project sites.

More than 400,000 people are believed to be working as daily wage contract workers on Games'-related construction projects, worth billions of dollars.

This is the first time India is to host the prestigious athletic event, which is expected to attract more than 8,000 participants and officials from most of the 54 countries of the British Commonwealth.