The court directed the Chief Executive Officer of each city (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad) to file an affidavit on how and when Manual Scavenging is stopped. 

• SC in Dr. Balram Singh Vs Union of India (2023) directed the Union Government to take appropriate measures to ensure that the practice is completely eradicated in a phased manner. 

Manual Scavenging in India

• Meaning: It involves manually cleaning, carrying, disposing or handling human excreta from dry latrines, drains and other sanitation systems.
• Regulation: Officially banned since 1993 under the Employment of Manual Scavengers and its Prohibition Act.
  • However, lack of appropriate sewage management systems and avenues for alternative livelihood opportunities remain the reason for its prevalence. 
• Present Status: Out of the 775 districts, 456 districts no longer have manual scavenging (as on 29.01.2025). 
• Issues associated
  • Humanitarian Crisis: Violates basic human rights and dignity exposing the worker to numerous health risks, harmful gases and pathogens. 
  • Link with Caste: Most of the manual scavengers belong to the Dalit community. 
• Reforms Needed: Technological interventions (robots, machines for cleaning); proper law enforcement; upgrading sanitation infrastructure, etc.