High Court Directs Delhi Govt To Inspect Toilets In All Jails, Orders Renovation Within Four Months

The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi Government to conduct inspection regarding the conditions of washrooms and toilets in all jail complexes in the national capital.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the Delhi Government to appoint adequate staff for cleaning of washrooms and toilets in the jail complexes.

The court was dealing with a plea moved by Anuj Malhotra highlighting the issue of lack of facilities for inmates in jail complexes.

The bench took note of the report submitted by the authorities which said that no incidents were reported regarding manual scavenging by the inmates in any court complex. The report also stated that the condition of the washrooms in jails are not satisfactory and that cleaning work is carried out in toilets voluntarily by the inmates. While some inmates were paid remuneration, others were not being properly paid, it added. The report further highlighted lack of cleaning gears and toiletries for inmates and that some toilets were not in working condition and required renovation.

Disposing of the plea, the court directed the Delhi Government to consider, if necessary, seeking assistance from NGOs or employing people on contractual basis for the purpose of cleaning of toilets in jails. The bench further directed that in all jail complexes, where voluntary cleaning work is being done by the inmates, they be suitably paid minimum wages.

It also directed that cleaning gears, gloves, masks, boots and toiletries be provided to the inmates involved in voluntary cleaning work of washrooms and toilets.

The court ordered that inspection of washrooms be done in two weeks and if any renovation is required, suitable proposals be moved in further two weeks. It further directed that the renovation work be done in a phased manner to ensure that washrooms and toilets are available to all inmates every time.

“Septic tanks if required shall be constructed inside the jails forthwith,” the court said, adding that the entire renovation work must be completed within four months.

The court also said that if the number of toilets are to be increased, the same be done by the Delhi Government. The court directed the Delhi Government to file an action taken report in the matter within eight weeks and listed the case for compliance on October 22.

Title: Anuj Malhotra v. GNCTD & Ors.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 886