SC Records Centre's Submission That WHO Guidelines On Sanitation Workers Are Being Followed; Disposes PIL

The Supreme Court of India disposed of a petition, which sought directions to the States and their authorities to ensure protection of the right to life of Safai Karamcharis/sanitation workers in the wake of the national lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic.  

The petition, filed by Advocate Mehmood Pracha and Mansoor Ali, on behalf of activist Harnam Singh, prayed for the provision of protective gear to the sanitation workers within a period of 24 hours, and for the testing of the workers and their immediate family to be done within a period of 48 hours.

Pracha, appearing on behalf of the Petitioner, submitted to the Bench comprising of Justices NV Ramana, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and BR Gavai that sanitation workers are the most vulnerable, along with their families, and that they are not even provided protective gear.

To this submission, Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta apprised the Court:

"This is a misconception. Special PPE kits are for doctors and nurses. Safai Karamcharis & other "Coronawarriors" are being provided other equipment".

The SG further submitted that false allegations were being made, and that guidelines by the World Health Organisation were binding on the Government of India and were being meticulously followed. He also added that there was a helpline number for specific complaints.

Following this, the bench disposed of the PIL, observing

"Learned Solicitor General appearing on behalf of the Union of India submits that the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation are binding on the Government of India and they are meticulously following the said guidelines.

Recording the statement made by the learned Solicitor General, we dispose of the instant writ petition". 

Click here to download order

Read Order