NHRC Urges States and UTs to Enforce Supreme Court Directives to End Manual Scavenging

Calls for Immediate Action, Real-Time Monitoring, and Eight-Week Compliance Report​

New Delhi, May 15—The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong directive to all states and Union Territories urging the "immediate implementation" of the Supreme Court's 2023 verdict on eradicating the inhuman practices of manual scavenging and hazardous sewer cleaning.

In a letter sent to the chief secretaries and administrators across the country, the NHRC emphasized the urgency of acting on the 14-point directive laid down by the Supreme Court in the landmark judgment Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India, 2023 INSC 950. The rights panel highlighted that the continued prevalence of manual hazardous waste cleaning is a grave violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to life with dignity and equality before the law.

Despite the Ban, Manual Scavenging is Still Reported in Major Cities​

The NHRC noted that, despite constitutional safeguards and a complete Supreme Court ban announced in January 2025 in six metropolitan cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad — reports of manual scavenging persist in parts of the country. This ongoing practice underlines systemic challenges in enforcement and public awareness.

Recommended Measures for Eradication​

To ensure strict compliance, the NHRC has proposed a comprehensive set of measures, including:

• Establishment of robust monitoring systems to ensure real-time compliance and deterrence
• Widespread dissemination of the legal prohibition and judicial directives to all stakeholders, including local bodies, contractors, and the general public
• Sensitisation campaigns targeting government officials, sanitation workers, and communities about the legal, social, and human rights implications of manual scavenging
• Regular follow-ups and review mechanisms to track implementation, identify gaps, and ensure accountability across governance levels

Action Taken Report Expected Within Eight Weeks​

The Commission has directed all state and UT authorities to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within eight weeks, detailing steps taken to align with the Supreme Court’s mandates. The NHRC’s intervention underscores the critical need for accountability, awareness, and structural reform to eliminate this caste-based, dehumanising practice once and for all.