In January 2025, what practice did the Supreme Court of India order to be completely stopped in six major metropolitan cities?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3: Manual Scavenging and Hazardous Sewer Cleaning.
Explanation:
- On January 29, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a landmark order imposing a complete ban on manual scavenging (the manual removal of human waste) and the hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks across six major metropolitan cities of the country.
- Targeted Cities: This order was issued specifically for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
- The Court's Stance: A bench comprising Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Aravind Kumar observed that the rights to dignity and equality would remain mere illusions if a large section of society is still compelled to descend into sewers for their livelihood.
- Directives: The Court directed the Municipal Commissioners (CEOs) of these cities to file affidavits specifying when and how they intend to completely eradicate this practice. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the use of modern machinery and safety equipment to ensure that the lives of workers are not put at risk.
Constitutional and Legal Provisions (Quick Revision):
- Article 17 of the Constitution: Abolishes 'Untouchability'—a practice with which manual scavenging is deeply intertwined.
- Article 21 of the Constitution: Grants every citizen the 'Right to Life and Dignity.'
- PEMSR Act, 2013: The 'Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act' completely bans this practice in India.
- NAMASTE Scheme: This Central Government scheme stands for the 'National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem.'
Important Questions for Upcoming Exams:
Question: What is the primary objective of the 'NAMASTE' scheme?
Answer: To ensure the safety of sewer and septic tank workers and to mechanize sanitation operations. Question: In which year was the Act prohibiting manual scavenging (PEMSR) passed in India?
Answer: 2013.
Question: Which six metropolitan cities were mentioned in the January 2025 order?
Answer: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.