At the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, India continues to practice the age-old method of sending men and boys down into sewers, septic tanks and pits to clean them. Contracted for the job and provided no safety gear except an occasional harness, the sewers and tanks have turned into death traps for many.

On an average, nearly 75-80 have died every year since 2019, as the Union government itself told the Parliament. By independent estimates, this may well be around 100 a year or more. Predominantly Dalits, their social exclusion means the pathetic working conditions, even death, rarely sends the country into shock and sympathy.

The Supreme Court has had its lens........

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