Urban News

In his additional affidavit arising out of a contempt application, A Narayanan, a social worker in Virugambakkam, alleged that the special committee appointed by the court did not meet regularly and take any concrete decision on the issue relating to eradication of manual cleaning of sewerage lines.

Even after the order dated October 20 this year of the First Bench of the High Court, death of two sanitary workers was reported. The order was not complied with in its letter and spirit, petitioner contended and suggested that a retired judge of the High Court or a retired chief secretary be posted as the chairman of the committee.

The First Bench comprising Chief Justice MY Eqbal and Justice TS Sivagnanam observed on Wednesday that the materials placed by the petitioner prima facie showed that the authorities were bent upon violating and disobeying the directions issued by the court inasmuch as even after the last occasion when this court granted adjournment, a couple of persons died while cleaning the sewerage lines.

The bench directed the Government Pleader to file a report on the government’s response to the death of the workers.

“Since a prima facie case of contempt is made out, we direct the two officials to appear in person before this court on the next date of hearing to justify their inaction by filing affidavits,’’ the bench said and posted the matter on December 6.