Manual scavengers: SC asks Centre to apprise it about status of implementation of 2013 Act
New Delhi, Feb 25: The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to apprise it about the status of implementation of a 2013 law that prohibits manual scavenging and the steps taken to rehabilitated people falling within the definition of manual scavengers.
The apex court has also sought state-wise details about the steps taken towards abolition of dry latrines, the status of dry latrines, and 'safai karamcharis' in cantonment boards and the railways.
A bench of justices S R Bhat and Dipankar Datta passed the order while hearing a petition seeking issuing of directions to implement provisions of the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, and the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
In its order passed on February 22, the bench noted that the top court had the occasion to deal with the subject matter earlier and it had then dealt with the provisions of the 2013 Act and had issued several directions.
" the respondent Union shall place on record the steps taken pursuant to the judgment of this court, viz-a-viz the status of implementation of the 2013 Act i.e. Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act 2013, including the steps towards rehabilitation of such persons falling within the definition of 'manual scavengers'," the bench said.
It sought state-wise details about the equipment being used by municipal corporation to mechanise sewage cleaning.
The bench has sought details about the feasibility of developing internet-based solutions for real-time tracking of sewage deaths and action taken by authorities concerned towards payment of compensation and rehabilitation of families.
"The Union of India shall file an affidavit through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Union Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is directed to look into these aspects and place an affidavit on the record. These directions shall be complied with within six weeks," the apex court said.
The bench, which appointed advocate K Parameshwar as an amicus curiae to assist the court in the matter, has posted the matter for further hearing on April 12.
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Drama unfolds over donation of late CPI(M) leader's body to govt hospital amid family dispute
Kochi (PTI): Dramatic scenes unfolded at the Ernakulam town hall, where the mortal remains of CPI(M) leader M M Lawrence were kept for public homage, as the late leader's daughter protested the decision to hand over his body to the Government Medical College Hospital here.
The unexpected events occurred after Asha moved the Kerala High Court, challenging the decision of her siblings to donate their father's body to the medical college for educational purposes.
The High Court, after considering the plea, directed the Kalamassery Medical College authorities to hear the objections and take a decision in accordance with the Kerala Anatomy Act.
The court also instructed the college to preserve the body for the time being at the mortuary.
In her petition, the daughter claimed that her father had been baptized and that all his children were baptized in the church.
She further alleged that her siblings along with the Communist party were attempting to project him as an atheist.
Two of Lawrence's children had previously given their consent to handing over the body to the medical college.
Lawrence died on September 21 at the age of 95.
Meanwhile, the ruling CPI(M) clarified that it has no role in the matter.
Whether to hand over the body to the medical college or bury it in a church is a decision for the family, the party said.
CPI(M) district secretary K A Salim said that the decision to hand over the body to the medical college was made by his son.
The court's decision came as the Medical College authorities reached the town hall to take possession of the body.
Asha, the complainant in the case, protested as the body was being handed over to the Medical College authorities amidst chanting of slogans by CPI(M) workers who had gathered to pay their last respects to the departed leader.
Lawrence's son said he decided to hand over the body for medical studies as per his father's last wish.
