NHRC asks states to implement Supreme Court's 14 directives against manual scavenging
The NHRC wrote to all States and UTs on 15 May 2025 asking for immediate implementation of the Supreme Court's 14 directives in Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India (2023) to end manual scavenging and hazardous sewer cleaning, with action taken reports within eight weeks.
Summary
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) wrote to the Chief Secretaries and Administrators of all States and Union Territories, as announced on 15 May 2025, asking for immediate implementation of the 14 directives issued by the Supreme Court in Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India (2023 INSC 950) to eradicate manual scavenging and hazardous sewer cleaning. The Commission noted that manual cleaning continues in parts of the country despite legal safeguards and a complete ban announced by the Supreme Court on 29 January 2025 in six cities â Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. It recommended wider awareness, sensitisation, robust real-time monitoring and regular reviews, and sought action taken reports within eight weeks.
Key facts
- Body
- National Human Rights Commission
- Case
- Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India, 2023 INSC 950
- Directives
- 14 Supreme Court directives
- SC ban (29 Jan 2025)
- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad
- Action taken reports
- Within eight weeks
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which body wrote to all States and UTs in May 2025 seeking immediate implementation of the Supreme Court's 14 directives against manual scavenging?
Show answer
Correct answer: B â National Human Rights Commission
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) wrote to the Chief Secretaries and Administrators of all States and UTs.
How many directives did the Supreme Court issue in Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India (2023) to eliminate manual scavenging?
Show answer
Correct answer: D â 14
The Supreme Court issued 14 directives in its 2023 judgment.
Consider the following statements regarding the NHRC's May 2025 communication on manual scavenging: 1. It noted the Supreme Court's complete ban announced on 29 January 2025 in six cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. 2. It sought action taken reports within four weeks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A â 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The NHRC sought action taken reports within eight weeks.