CHENNAI: The desperate plea from the kin, of manual scavengers who died while cleaning the sewers, seeking adequate compensation requires the attention of the State authorities, failing which the court would pronounce it judicially, said the first Bench of Madras High Court.
The court was hearing a petition filed by social activist A Narayanan, who has been pushing the issue legally to ensure adequate compensation to the families of the dead scavengers.
When the matter came up last week, the Advocate-General had said the State had filed a review petition (civil) before the Supreme Court, challenging the orders of the Madras High Court directing that huge sums be paid as compensation. The case was likely to be listed soon.
Appearing as petitioner in person, Narayanan expressed his anguish that the State was taking a disruptive approach in an issue of social justice, denying the benefits to persons who had suffered because the practice of manual scavenging prevailed.
“He has rightly pointed out that the issue is one of compensation to be paid by the government and if private parties are responsible, recovery can always be made by the State. He, thus, submits that on the one hand, there are various freebies; and on the other hand, due benefits are not being extended to the class which requires such benefits in the form of compensation,” the Bench said.
“We can only say, this is an issue which certainly needs the attention of the State government as otherwise, we would be required to pronounce on the same judicially,” it added.