HC Orders State to Pay Rs 30 Lakh to Kin of Deceased Scavengers

The Bombay High Court has ordered the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 30 lakh each to the families of two manual scavengers who died while cleaning a sewer in Mumbai. The incident occurred in 2019, highlighting the dangers and risks faced by manual scavengers in the city.

The court's decision was made after hearing a petition filed by the families of the deceased scavengers, who argued that the state government was responsible for their deaths. The petitioners claimed that the government had failed to provide adequate safety measures and equipment to the scavengers, leading to the tragic incident.

According to the petition, the two manual scavengers were hired by a private contractor to clean a sewer in Mumbai. However, they were not provided with proper safety gear, including masks, gloves, and oxygen supply. As a result, they inhaled toxic fumes and died while working in the sewer.

The court noted that the state government had failed to implement the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, which prohibits the employment of manual scavengers and provides for their rehabilitation. The court also observed that the government had not taken adequate measures to prevent such incidents, despite being aware of the risks faced by manual scavengers.

The compensation of Rs 30 lakh each will be paid to the families of the deceased scavengers, as ordered by the court. This amount is intended to provide some relief to the families, who have suffered a significant loss due to the negligence of the state government.

The court's decision is a significant step towards recognizing the rights of manual scavengers and their families. It highlights the need for the state government to take concrete measures to prevent such incidents and provide adequate safety measures and equipment to manual scavengers. The decision is also expected to set a precedent for similar cases in the future, where the state government may be held responsible for the deaths of manual scavengers.

The state government has been directed to pay the compensation within a specified timeframe. The court's order is a welcome move, as it provides some relief to the families of the deceased scavengers and emphasizes the need for the government to take responsibility for their actions.

In recent years, there have been several incidents of manual scavengers dying while cleaning sewers and drains in Mumbai. The court's decision is a significant step towards addressing this issue and ensuring that the state government takes concrete measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The families of the deceased scavengers have welcomed the court's decision, stating that it provides some relief and recognition of their loss. However, they also emphasized the need for the state government to take more concrete measures to prevent such incidents and provide adequate safety measures and equipment to manual scavengers.

The court's order is a significant development in the case, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of manual scavengers and their families in Mumbai. The state government has been directed to take immediate action to implement the court's order and provide compensation to the families of the deceased scavengers.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's decision to order the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 30 lakh each to the families of two manual scavengers who died while cleaning a sewer in Mumbai is a significant step towards recognizing the rights of manual scavengers and their families. The decision highlights the need for the state government to take concrete measures to prevent such incidents and provide adequate safety measures and equipment to manual scavengers.