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State Human Rights Commission Takes Suo Motu Action Against Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of reports that sanitary workers in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) were not provided with safety gear, masks, or gloves while on duty. The Commission has issued a stern order reprimanding the BMC for its alleged careless attitude towards its sanitation employees, observing that if the allegations were true, they would amount to gross violations of fundamental rights.

The SHRC, presided over by Chairperson Justice A.M. Badar, has issued a notice of proceedings and called for a fact-finding report from the Municipal Commissioner. The Commissioner has been directed to file the reply within four weeks. In case of non-compliance with its directions, the Commission would conduct the inquiry itself and issue summons for the personal appearance of the Municipal Commissioner.

Key Takeaways:

  • The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of reports that sanitary workers in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) were not provided with safety gear, masks, or gloves while on duty.
  • The Commission has issued a stern order reprimanding the BMC for its alleged careless attitude towards its sanitation employees, observing that if the allegations were true, they would amount to gross violations of fundamental rights.
  • The SHRC has issued a notice of proceedings and called for a fact-finding report from the Municipal Commissioner, with a deadline of four weeks to file the reply.
  • The Commission has warned that in case of non-compliance with its directions, it would conduct the inquiry itself and issue summons for the personal appearance of the Municipal Commissioner.
  • The suo motu action was based on a report published in a city-based tabloid, which alleged that contractual conservancy labourers in BMC's C Ward were working in life-threatening conditions.
  • Sanitation workers accused the contractor of failing to provide essential safety gear, including gloves, gumboots, and masks.
  • Workers who raised concerns about safety were allegedly threatened with transfers.

Statistics:

  • Four weeks: The deadline for the Municipal Commissioner to file a fact-finding report in response to the SHRC's notice.
  • 1: The number of Municipal Commissioner summoned for personal appearance in case of non-compliance with the SHRC's directions.

Sources:

  • "State Human Rights Commission", Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd., 2025. (available on Contify.com)

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