Safai Karamchari Andolan And Ors vs Union Of India And Ors

The Supreme Court, while addressing a Public Interest Litigation under Article 32, emphasized the enforcement of the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, to uphold fundamental rights under Articles 14, 17, 21, and 47 of the Constitution. The Court highlighted the ongoing practice of manual scavenging, predominantly affecting Dalits, and mandated the Union and State Governments to take stringent actions against this inhumane practice. The Court's holding reinforced the necessity for immediate implementation of the Act to eradicate manual scavenging and protect the dignity of affected individuals.