Andhra Pradesh High Court Calls for Data on Sewer Deaths Since 1993

Description

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has taken a landmark step by directing the collection of comprehensive data on sewer-related deaths from 1993 onwards. The move aims to ensure compensation and rehabilitation for the affected families, while also placing responsibility on the agencies and officials involved.

Summary

• Court Direction: Andhra Pradesh High Court has instructed the Commissioner of Municipal Administration to collect data on workers who died while cleaning sewers since 1993.
• Objective: To compensate families of the deceased and rehabilitate them.
• Case Context: Initially triggered by the death of Meda Manikyala Rao, a contract worker who died inhaling toxic fumes.
• Scope Expanded: Compensation not to be limited to a single case but extended to all similar incidents.
• Accountability: Agencies and supervisors under whose watch these deaths occurred will be held responsible.
• Future Hearing: Next court hearing scheduled for July 16, 2025.
• Legal Basis: The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, forms the backdrop of this judicial intervention.

 Background

Manual scavenging — the practice of cleaning sewers, manholes, and dry latrines by hand — has been officially banned in India through successive laws, notably the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 and later strengthened by the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
Despite the ban, sewer deaths continue to be reported across India due to hazardous working conditions and lack of safety measures.

Current Development

• The Andhra Pradesh High Court observed that deaths of manual scavengers cannot be treated as isolated incidents.
• Compensation must not be case-specific but systematic, ensuring justice for all victims since 1993.
• The Commissioner of Municipal Administration has been tasked with collecting detailed data from:
• Municipal Corporations
• Municipalities
• Other Local Bodies
• Workers’ Welfare Unions

Key Judicial Points

• Monetary Liability: Institutions responsible for manual scavenging work must compensate affected families.
• Official Accountability: Supervisors and officials under whose direct control deaths happened will have adverse remarks made in their service records, impacting promotions.
• Moral Responsibility: By enforcing liability and record-keeping, the Court aims to deter negligence and unlawful practices in the future.

Importance for RAS Aspirants

• Social Justice and Governance: Highlights the role of the judiciary in enforcing welfare laws.
• Administrative Accountability: Ensures that public servants are held responsible for the safety of vulnerable workers.
• Implementation of Laws: Shows real-world impact (or lack thereof) of legislation meant to protect marginalized groups.
• Current Affairs Relevance: Suitable for questions in GS Paper II (Governance, Social Justice) and Rajasthan-centric policy analysis.

Important Acts to Remember:

• Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993
• Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013

Conclusion

The Andhra Pradesh High Court’s directive is a strong affirmation of constitutional values like dignity of labor and social justice. It sets a significant precedent for other states to follow in acknowledging historical negligence and providing overdue compensation and rehabilitation to the families of sewer workers.
For RAS aspirants, this event underlines the judiciary’s pivotal role in upholding laws and securing social welfare.

Two MCQs Based on the News

Q1. Which Act forms the legal backdrop for the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s recent directions regarding manual scavengers?

(A) Employment Guarantee Act, 2005

(B) Manual Scavenging Prohibition and Rehabilitation Act, 2013

(C) Urban Employment Scheme Act, 1999

(D) Workers’ Compensation Act, 1923

Answer: (B)

Q2. As per the Andhra Pradesh High Court order, if a sewer worker's death occurs under the supervision of a municipal officer, what action can be taken against the officer?

(A) Suspension from service

(B) Criminal prosecution

(C) Adverse remark in service record affecting promotion

(D) None of the above

Answer: (C)