The Supreme Court recently issued an order summoning the Chief Secretary of the Government of Haryana after the state failed to act on a compensation claim. The claim was filed by a woman whose husband died from inhaling poisonous gas while cleaning sewer tanks.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of manual sewer cleaners and the timely implementation of court-directed compensation.
Background of the Case
Two petitioners approached the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution. Their husbands tragically lost their lives in 2021 and 2022 due to exposure to toxic gases while cleaning sewers in Delhi and Haryana. Both women sought compensation of Rs. 30 lakhs and an increase from the previously awarded Rs. 10 lakhs, as per the Supreme Court’s 2023 judgment in Balram Singh vs. Union of India & Ors.
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“The petitioners have suffered immense loss due to the hazardous nature of their husbands' work. Adequate compensation is essential to provide relief,” the Court noted in its earlier ruling.
The Court acknowledged that the petitioners had already submitted representations to the Governments of Delhi and Haryana. However, neither state responded to their claims. As a result, on January 3, the Supreme Court directed both governments to resolve the matter within four weeks, in line with the 2023 judgment.
One petitioner submitted her representation to the Chief Secretary of Haryana on January 6, which was officially received on January 9, 2025. Despite this, no response or action was taken.
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A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan observed that the State of Haryana failed to comply with the Court’s directive and ignored the petitioner’s request.
“The Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana, Chandigarh, is to personally remain present on the next date of hearing to explain why our order has not been considered and how the representation dated 6-1-2025 has been addressed,” the Court stated.
The hearing is scheduled for May 9, and the Chief Secretary has been ordered to appear in person to clarify the state’s inaction.
Case Details: ASHA v.STATE OF HARYANA, Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s). 368/2025
