Context:
The Supreme Court directed the Union and State governments to take immediate measures to eradicate manual scavenging, emphasizing the importance of human dignity.
Relevance: GS 2 (Polity and Governance, Social Justice).
Supreme Court’s Commitment :
- The Supreme Court has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the complete implementation of its October 2023 judgment.
October 2023 Judgment :
- The judgment mandates the Union and State governments to take concrete and actionable steps to eliminate manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning practices.
Continuing Inhumane Practices :
- Despite existing laws and policies, manual scavenging and hazardous sewer cleaning continue to occur.
- These practices frequently result in severe health hazards and fatalities among workers.
Violation of constitution :
- Manual scavenging is a violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Life and Dignity.
- Article 14: Right to Equality, as it perpetuates caste-based discrimination.
- Article 17: Abolition of Untouchability, as manual scavenging is deeply rooted in caste hierarchies.
- Laws such as the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, further prohibit the practice.
