Overview

• The bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N. V. Anjaria directed the Delhi PWD to deposit ₹5 lakh with the National Commission for Safai Karmacharis within four weeks.
• Photographs and video presented to the court showed labourers without protective gear and a minor engaged in drain cleaning near Gates F and B of the Supreme Court.
• The court warned that recurring violations will trigger FIRs against responsible officials under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
• PWD claimed the activity was desilting for monsoon preparedness, but the court faulted officials for inadequate action, noting no meaningful steps to warn, penalize, or blacklist contractors.
• The proceedings stem from a PIL on manual scavenging, with the court reiterating its October 20, 2023 directions on model contracts, contract cancellation, monetary liability, and accountability after an amicus flagged inaction on a Tilak Marg police complaint.