What Actions is the Haryana Rights Panel Taking After the Death of Two Workers in Manual Sewer Cleaning?
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Synopsis
The Haryana Human Rights Commission responds to the tragic deaths of two workers in a septic tank incident, highlighting severe safety violations. This raises critical questions about labor rights and workplace safety standards. The commission's intervention underscores the importance of protecting workers and enforcing safety regulations in hazardous environments.
Key Takeaways
- Two workers tragically died in a septic tank due to negligence.
- Haryana Human Rights Commission is investigating the incident.
- The hotel management failed to provide necessary safety measures.
- Workers' rights to a safe workplace were violated.
- The commission demands reports on relief and rehabilitation for families.
Chandigarh, Nov 4 (NationPress) The Haryana Human Rights Commission has initiated suo motu proceedings following a media report concerning the tragic deaths of two individuals in a septic tank located in Hisar district.
According to the report, two workers, Somveer and Virender, who were employed at a hotel in Hansi town, were compelled to enter a septic tank without any protective gear due to a malfunctioning sewer motor.
One worker lost consciousness immediately after entering the tank, while the other attempted to save him but also succumbed to unconsciousness. Both tragically passed away, likely as a result of exposure to toxic gases within the tank. The families of the victims have accused the hotel management of negligence and coercion, attributing blame for the incident.
The initial findings reported to the rights commission indicated that the workers were ordered to enter the septic tank without oxygen cylinders, gas testing, or any protective equipment.
The families asserted that the hotel management disregarded safety protocols and human dignity by forcing them into these perilous conditions.
The full bench of the rights commission, which includes Chairperson Justice (retd) Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, remarked that under Article 21 of the Constitution, the right to life encompasses the right to a safe, healthy, and dignified workplace. Employers and state authorities carry the legal obligation to protect workers from life-threatening hazards.
The Supreme Court has affirmed that the right to health and medical care is a fundamental right under Article 21, in conjunction with Articles 39 (c), 41, and 43, thus making the lives of workers meaningful and dignified.
The commission noted that the hotel management failed to ensure essential safety measures, trained personnel, rescue provisions, and mechanical cleaning systems, thereby violating the rights to life, health, safety, and dignity of the workers.
Permitting workers to operate in dangerous conditions without safety equipment constitutes a blatant infringement of human rights.
The commission found that the human rights of the deceased were unequivocally violated, with both the employer and relevant authorities neglecting their constitutional and statutory responsibilities regarding labor safety.
Puneet Arora, the Protocol, Information, and Public Relations Officer of the commission, stated on Tuesday that the commission has instructed the Deputy Commissioner to provide a detailed report within six weeks regarding the relief, compensation, and rehabilitation measures for the families of the deceased.
Additionally, the Superintendent of Police has been directed to submit a report within six weeks on the FIR registered, charges invoked, and the status of the investigation.
The rights panel has scheduled the next hearing for December 17.
Point of View
It is crucial to uphold the principles of labor rights and ensure that every worker is provided a safe and dignified working environment. The tragic incident in Hisar serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring workplace safety, and it highlights the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations across all sectors.
NationPress
04/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Hisar that led to the deaths?
Two workers died after being forced to enter a septic tank without protective gear, leading to exposure to toxic gases.
What is the Haryana Human Rights Commission doing in response?
The commission has taken suo motu cognizance and directed inquiries into the incident, demanding reports from local authorities.
What legal obligations do employers have regarding worker safety?
Employers are legally bound to provide a safe working environment, including necessary safety equipment and training.
How does this incident relate to human rights?
The incident highlights violations of workers' rights to life, health, and safety, underscoring the need for accountability.
What can be done to prevent such incidents in the future?
Stricter enforcement of safety regulations and better training for workers can significantly reduce the risk of similar tragedies.
