Today, Supreme Court issued directed both the Union Government and all State Governments, mandating the comprehensive elimination of the deplorable practice of manual scavenging

The Supreme Court in its orders mandated an increase in compensation for sewer-related fatalities to Rs. 30 lakhs. For cases of permanent disability resulting from sewer work, the Court has directed compensation to be raised to Rs. 20 lakhs, and for other forms of disability, the minimum compensation should not be less than Rs. 10 lakhs.

A bench consisting of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar further issued a comprehensive set of fourteen directives to both the Union and State Governments to ensure the effective enforcement of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act of 2013. The bench has also mandated proactive efforts for the rehabilitation of the affected individuals and their families, including provisions for scholarships and various skill development programs.

''"If you have to be truly equal in all respects, the commitment that Constitution makers gave to all sections of society by entrenching emancipatory provisions such as Articles 15(2), 17 and 23 and 24, each of us must live up to its promise. Union and States are duty bound to ensure that the practice of manual scavenging is completely eradicated. 

The bench delivered its judgment in the case of Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India, a Public Interest Litigation filed against the practice of employing manual scavengers.

"Ours is a battle not for wealth of power. It is a battle for freedom. It is a battle for reclamation of human personality" - these words of Dr.Ambedkar were quoted by Justice Bhat while pronouncing the judgment.

The next date of hearing is on 1st Feb, 2024.

Case Title: Dr.Balram Singh vs Union of India

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