The Delhi High Court has called for a response from the Delhi government and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) following a public interest litigation (PIL) that demands the regularization of sewer workers in the city and a compensation of over ₹1 crore to the families of sewer or septic tank workers who have died in the line of duty. The PIL also requests that one dependent of each deceased worker be offered compassionate government employment.
The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, has instructed the concerned authorities to gather pertinent data and present complete information to the Court.
This PIL, submitted by the Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch, highlights the plight of sewer workers who are reportedly among the most economically and socially marginalized communities. The petition argues that these workers are often paid below the minimum wage and do not receive essential benefits such as provident fund, gratuity, and bonuses.
According to the petition, these sanitation workers endure chronic illnesses, permanent disabilities, and occupational diseases due to continuous exposure to untreated human waste, toxic gases, contaminated water, and unsafe working conditions. These factors adversely impact their mental health and life expectancy.
“Exposure to these gases can lead to suffocation, unconsciousness, acute respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, neurological damage, and, in many instances, death. Even non-fatal exposure can cause chronic respiratory illnesses, reduced lung capacity, persistent breathlessness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, recurrent chest infections, and irreversible damage to the respiratory system,” the petition states.
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The petitioner advocates for the complete mechanization of sewer and septic tank cleaning throughout Delhi and calls for a ban on hazardous manual entry into sewers and manholes. It is also suggested that criminal, departmental, and civil actions be initiated against contractors, employers, and public officials responsible for violations.
The PIL has been filed through advocate Umesh Kumar.
