State Of Punjab & Ors vs Rafiq Masih (White Washer)

The Supreme Court ruled that the provisions of the Punjab State Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, specifically Sections 3 and 4, impose a strict liability on the employer for engaging manual scavengers. The Court emphasized that the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution is violated when individuals are forced into such degrading work. The Court held that the State must ensure the enforcement of these provisions and provide adequate compensation to the victims, thereby upholding the rights of marginalized communities.