“In view of the prohibition, the DSIIDC should have taken necessary steps to ensure that the sewers are not opened for cleaning purposes by anybody. Any mishap occurring surely will suggest a lapse on the part of DSIIDC,” Justice Rao said. The liability being strict, this court is of the view that the DSIIDC shall pay an amount of ₹10 lakh each to the petitioners [families],” the judge said. Sole breadwinnersThe families added that the victims were the sole breadwinners and that they have been living in poverty after Mr. Ram and Mr. Singh’s deaths. Plea rejectedThe court rejected the plea of the DSIIDC that neither it nor any of its contractors had engaged the two victims for cleaning of the sewer lines.

Source: The Hindu March 11, 2018 20:15 UTC