Introduction:

The Bombay High Court has issued directives to Municipal Corporations in Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali, and Mira-Bhayander regarding the implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. The court’s intervention came in response to a writ petition filed by the Shramik Janata Sangh seeking compensation for the families of manual scavengers.

Arguments:

The petitioners, represented by Senior Advocate Gayatri Singh, highlighted the need for compensation for the families of deceased manual scavengers. On the other hand, the government, represented by Government Pleader PP Kakade, was tasked with furnishing information on steps taken for effective implementation of the Act, including the constitution of statutory authorities and rehabilitation efforts.

Court’s Judgment:

The division bench, comprising Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice MM Sathaye, stressed the importance of establishing functional statutory authorities under the Act to address the wider issue comprehensively. The court directed the appointment of a Nodal Officer by the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, State of Maharashtra, to coordinate efforts and gather necessary information for compliance with the Act.