Supreme Court Pushes for Compliance to End Manual Scavenging

The Supreme Court is hearing a PIL on the non-implementation of the Manual Scavengers Acts (1993, 2013). Despite its orders, manual scavenging persists, and statutory bodies remain unformed.

The petition highlights the government's failure to comply with 2023 directives, including a national survey and forming required bodies.

Expressing dismay, the Court warned of contempt charges, criticized inaction on sewer deaths, and demanded accountability with enhanced compensation for victims' families.

The court directed the Union to file an affidavit explaining the delays and ordered immediate implementation of the Acts, survey completion, and compensation, cautioning severe consequences for non-compliance.