Delhi High Court issues notice on regularisation of sewer workers

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the regularisation of approximately 2,000 contractual sewer and septic tank workers engaged by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). The petition, filed by the Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM), argues that these workers perform permanent and hazardous public functions that should not be outsourced in a manner that deprives them of job security and dignity.

The PIL requests the retrospective payment of wages and statutory benefits, including provident fund, gratuity, and bonuses. Additionally, the petition seeks compensation of at least Rs. 1 crore for the families of deceased sewer or septic tank workers, along with permanent government employment for one eligible dependent of each deceased worker.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia has sought responses from both the Delhi Government and the Delhi Jal Board. The court has also directed the DJB to provide complete details regarding its contractors and the current workforce of sewer workers within six weeks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on November 28.