A complete ban on manual scavenging and sewer cleaning was imposed by the Supreme Court on Wednesday in six major metropolitan cities namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

The apex court in December 2023 had ordered Centre to collaborate with states and gather ideas to eliminate manual scavenging and sewer cleaning and following that, the Union government in a recent affidavit revealed that 456 districts out of total 775 districts in India reported no cases of manual scavenging and sewer cleaning, reported Hindustan Times.

A bench led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia has directed the chief executive officers of several cities to submit detailed affidavits by February 13, outlining how and when manual scavenging has been fully eliminated.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 19.

Upon reviewing submissions by the Additional Solicitor General, the bench expressed concerns over the lack of clarity regarding the complete eradication of manual sewer cleaning in metropolitan areas, as mandated in the Supreme Court’s October 10, 2023, order.

The bench stated, “We are of the opinion that the time has come to pass clear directions."

In its October ruling, the Supreme Court had emphasized that both central and state governments are legally bound to ensure the total elimination of manual scavenging across India.

The latest order was issued as the court continues to monitor the implementation of its 2023 judgment, which directed all states and Union Territories to take immediate action to end this inhumane practice.

The bench said, “A well-considered order was passed by us and look at what is happening. People are still dying... We are of the considered opinion that time has come now to pass directions."

Further banning the practices in six metropolitan cities, the court stated, "We order that manual sewage cleaning and manual scavenging shall be stopped forthwith in all top metropolitan cities."

The court noted with distress that, despite its earlier instructions, manual scavenging remains prevalent, citing a recent incident in Delhi where two individuals in their late 20s tragically lost their lives while cleaning a sewer.

Hannan Shahid was named the hero of the match for his spectacular double. Pakistan's five goals, which decisively thrashed China in Hulunbuir, have secured their place in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, where they join India. This sets up the potential for an India vs. Pakistan final, though the two teams will first face off in their fifth match on Saturday.

The court's order followed a public interest case filed by Balram Singh, who asked for a survey to identify manual scavengers, compensation for families of those who die while workinggold99, and support to help people in this profession transition to other work.