Calcutta High Court Orders ₹30 Lakh Compensation for Families of Manual Scavenging Victims

The Calcutta High Court has held the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and State authorities responsible for the deaths of four labourers and injuries to others during a 2021 sewer-desilting operation in South Kolkata. 

The Bench criticised systemic failures and negligence, noting breaches of the Manual Scavengers Act, 2013, lack of supervision, and absence of safety mechanisms. 

Calling manual scavenging a “blot on the nation’s conscience,” the Court directed payment of ₹30 lakh compensation to each deceased worker’s family (adjusted from earlier amounts) and ₹5 lakh to each injured worker. 

It also ordered an independent investigation, constitution of committees under the 2013 Act, and strict compliance with statutory obligations.

[Association for Protection of Democratic Rights & Anr v. State of West Bengal & Ors.]