Overview

• Justices Aravind Kumar and N. V. Anjaria penalised the Delhi PWD after labourers without protective gear, including a minor, were found cleaning drains outside Gate F of the Supreme Court.
• The court directed that ₹5 lakh be deposited with the National Commission for Safai Karmacharis within four weeks.
• The bench rejected the PWD’s claim that it was only desilting covered drains for monsoon work and noted no serious steps were taken to warn, penalise or blacklist the contractor.
• The judges warned that any recurrence will prompt FIRs against responsible officials under the new penal codes and ordered that no worker be allowed to enter drains without safety gear.
• Video evidence documenting the minor’s involvement was submitted by the amicus, who also reported that a police complaint sought at Tilak Marg was not acted on; the matter is listed for October 15 to consider further remedial measures, including higher compensation and rehabilitation.