Karnataka HC Asks State To Provide Complete Plan To Protect Sanitation Workers During Heatwaves In Summer

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday orally said that the state government should put in a complete plan in regard to steps to be taken to provide protection to powrakarmikas/sanitation workers during the summer months/heat wave in the state.

Justice M Nagaprasanna said, “When this contingency happens every year, heatwaves will be there in several parts of the state during this period, why don't you (state government) put in a complete plan, why is there ad-hocism. When it comes to heatwaves, this is the protection to powrakarmikas to be given straight away.”

The bench observed thus while hearing a petition filed by All India Central Council of Trade Unions. Issuing notice to the government and posting the matter for hearing on Friday, it said, “They have no other means than depending on the state sir.”

The petitioners have approached the court seeking a direction to the Chief Secretary, as head of the state executive committee under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 to issue directions to authorities to take all necessary steps during the summer months, in regard to powrakarmikas, as mandated under the Karnataka State Heat Wave action plan 2024-25, and the advisory of the national programme on climate change and human health issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department of the Government of Karnataka.

Further, direct the respondents to ensure humane working conditions for powrakarmikas during the summer months in the interest of justice and equity.

By way of an interim order it has sought to direct the respondents to immediately act on the communication dtd. 12.03.2025 issued by the Karnataka Commission for Safai Karamcharis to the Urban Development Department, Directorate of Municipal Administration Department, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Chief Commissioner BBMP, Deputy commissioners.

The bench on hearing the plea said “No poor man should suffer, because others will have some water to drink.”

The government advocate submitted that the petitioner has made all the Director Municipal Administration the party and direction is sought against all municipalities, they have an independent budget to take care of their staff. To which the court said “To provide water to a poor man for drinking in the hot summer you need a budget.”

The court then said “The AGA to secure instructions on the prayers that are sought which are regulating the working hours of the workment during the heatwave and providing all other facilities like drinking water inter alia. List on Friday.”

The court also was apprised about the order passed by the Karnataka Commission for Safai Karamcharis it said “The order was passed on March 12, nothing has been implemented. It is not for those who have everything, it is for those who have nothing, you should act immediately. On Friday we will pass a comprehensive order.”

Appearance: Advocate Clifton D Rozario for Petitioner.

Case Title: All India Central Council of Trade Unions AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: WP 8683/2025.