The Delhi High Court has directed the city government to inspect, renovate, and repair toilets in all jail complexes across the capital within four months. This directive follows a report from the ‘Inspecting Judges of Tihar Jail’ highlighting unsatisfactory conditions in the washrooms.
A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued the order while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging manual scavenging in Tihar Jail. The petitioner’s counsel claimed that inmates were cleaning human excreta with their bare hands.
The court took serious note of the report, which denied manual scavenging but confirmed the poor state of the washrooms. It directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to conduct a thorough inspection of all jail complexes regarding the condition of the washrooms. “If any renovation is required, suitable proposals be moved. Entire renovation will be completed within four months,” the court ordered.
The court emphasized that renovation work should be phased to ensure some toilets remain available for use. It also instructed the construction of septic tanks where necessary and recommended increasing the number of toilets if required.
Delhi government counsel Santosh Kumar Tripathi acknowledged the “pathetic” state of the toilets, citing issues of hygiene and cleanliness. The court responded by mandating the appointment of adequate manpower for cleaning, including hiring on a contractual basis and collaborating with NGOs. It also directed that inmates who voluntarily clean the toilets be paid minimum wages as fixed for unskilled labor.
“Everyone is denying manual scavenging. The place needs repair, renovation, and remodelling. We will direct that,” the bench told the petitioner. The court observed that some inmates were paid for voluntary cleaning work, while others were not. It highlighted the lack of proper cleaning gear and noted that some toilets were not functional.
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“The GNCTD (Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi) is directed to appoint manpower for cleaning washrooms in each jail complex. GNCTD may even consider taking assistance from NGOs or employing people on a contractual basis. DG (Director General) prisons and jail superintendents shall ensure that proper cleaning gear, including masks, boots, and toiletries, is provided,” the court ordered.
