In Brief
People's Rights and Social Research Centre sought Supreme Court intervention on silicosis—an incurable lung disease affecting workers in mining, construction, and stone-crushing industries across India. The petitioner argued that inadequate detection, safety measures, and compensation violated workers' constitutional rights to health and dignity. After 18 years of proceedings, the Court delegated oversight to two statutory bodies: the National Green Tribunal to ensure industrial compliance with pollution standards, and the National Human Rights Commission to oversee timely compensation distribution. The Court disposed of the petition, directing the registry to forward all relevant reports to these bodies and permitting the petitioner to cooperate in implementation.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.