Delhi HC Orders Strict Adherence to SC Ruling on Manual Scavenging Eradication

The Delhi High Court has directed the city government and civic authorities to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the strict implementation of laws to eradicate manual scavenging.

A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela noted that the Supreme Court has issued various directives on this matter, including increasing the compensation for sewer deaths to Rs 30 lakh and setting a minimum compensation of Rs 20 lakh for permanent disability cases.

The bench emphasized the need for the Government of NCT of Delhi, the Delhi Jal Board, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and all relevant authorities to strictly adhere to the Supreme Court’s judgment. The apex court’s directives aim to completely eliminate the practice of manual scavenging.

The court order came on a batch of petitions seeking the rigorous enforcement of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR Act) and its associated regulations.

The bench pointed out that, in light of the Supreme Court’s prior order, which addressed the implementation of the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, and the PEMSR Act, as well as the imposition of a blanket ban on manual scavenging, there was no need for further orders regarding the current batch of petitions.

“The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in the aforementioned judgment, has issued various directives for the strict enforcement of the 1993 Act and the PEMSR Act. In light of the aforementioned judgment delivered by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, no further orders are necessary for the present writ petitions, and they are thus concluded,” stated the court.