Peoples Rights And Social Research ... vs Union Of India

The Supreme Court, while addressing the writ petition under Article 32, recognized the grave issue of silicosis among workers as a violation of their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court emphasized the need for the State to ensure health and safety standards, invoking Directive Principles under Articles 39(e), 42, and 48A, which mandate protection against hazardous working conditions. The Court directed the formation of a high-level committee to address the detection, prevention, and treatment of silicosis, thereby holding that the State's failure to act constitutes a neglect of its constitutional duties.