SC Bans Manual Scavenging & Manual Sewer Cleaning In Six Metropolitan Cities

The Supreme Court has banned manual scavenging and sewer cleaning in six metropolitan cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The order comes in response to a petition demanding the complete eradication of this inhumane practice.

Key Directives: Immediate Ban – No manual sewer cleaning or scavenging in top metro cities.
Accountability – City officials must submit reports by February 13 on how they are enforcing the ban.
Strict Warnings – The court expressed frustration over non-compliance and warned of serious consequences if authorities fail to act.

It said: “Can we say it today that manual scavenging from today onwards is banned?… We are fed up of order. We are directing. Either do it or face consequences.” Despite existing laws like the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, implementation remains weak.

The Court criticized the government’s lack of clear action and found the latest report on compliance “not encouraging at all.” During the hearing, the Union Government admitted that out of 775 districts in India, 456 districts no longer have manual scavenging, but major cities like Delhi have not complied.

Senior lawyers argued that the data was misleading since several states had not even conducted proper surveys. Justice Dhulia emphasized, “If they are filing false affidavits, they are in contempt straight away.” The Court reiterated that manual scavengers must be provided with proper safety equipment if their work cannot be avoided.

With growing concerns over false data and lack of enforcement, the Supreme Court has made it clear—manual scavenging must end, and authorities will be held accountable.
Source: – Live Law
By: – Rajat Ranjan
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