Supreme Court Mandates Increased Compensation for Sewer Deaths, Urges Swift Action on Safai Karamcharis Commission Appointments Compensation Raised to Rs. 30 Lakhs; Court Highlights Urgency in Filling Commission Vacancies
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has increased the compensation for sewer-related deaths to Rs. 30 lakhs, up from the previous Rs. 10 lakhs, for incidents occurring after the judgment dated October 20, 2023. This decision, delivered on January 20, 2026, by the bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Prasanna B. Varale, addresses the long-standing issue of inadequate compensation for hazardous sanitation work fatalities.
The judgment came in response to a writ petition filed by Dr. Balram Singh against the Union of India, where the court was asked to reconsider the compensation framework for sewer deaths. According to the judgment, the new compensation amount applies to cases where deaths occurred after the specified date, and for those prior, if the Rs. 10 lakh compensation has not been paid, the Rs. 30 lakh compensation shall be granted. This move aims to provide justice and financial relief to families affected by such tragic incidents.
Additionally, the court expressed serious concerns over the non-functionality of the National and State Commissions for Safai Karamcharis due to vacant positions, underscoring the need for these bodies to function effectively to enforce welfare measures. The Supreme Court has directed the Union of India to expedite the appointment of commission members and has mandated the submission of an affidavit detailing the timeline for these appointments within two days. The court warned that failure to comply would require the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to appear in person.
Furthermore, the court's clarification on manual scavenging surveys indicates that affidavits from the Union of India report no instances of manual scavenging in 456 districts and no manual sewer cleaning in 465 districts, with certificates affirming this status uploaded for 643 districts.
This ruling aligns with the court's commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Safai Karamcharis and their families, ensuring that the systemic issues surrounding their working conditions and compensation are addressed promptly.
The case references several previous judgments, including the notable Safai Karamchari Andolan v. Union of India, 2014, and highlights the urgency in filling vacancies within the commissions to prevent paralysis in implementing welfare acts for the Safai Karamcharis.
Bottom Line:
Compensation for sewer deaths increased to Rs. 30 lakhs from the previous Rs. 10 lakhs for deaths occurring after the judgment dated 20.10.2023, and clarification regarding eligibility for additional compensation for deaths occurring prior to this date.
This judgment marks a significant step towards addressing the longstanding grievances of sanitation workers and reinforces the judiciary's role in advocating for vulnerable communities' rights and welfare.
Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2845224
