The Supreme Court of India has directed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to monitor industries prone to silicosis and ensure compliance with safety standards. In a ruling on August 6, the Court emphasised the need for preventive measures against the spread of this debilitating disease, primarily affecting workers in mining, construction, and stone cutting.

Justice Vikram Nath and Justice PB Varale stated, “We now direct the NGT to oversee the impact of silicosis-prone industries across India and ensure compliance with earlier court directives.” The NGT has been tasked with taking necessary actions to prevent the disease’s spread.

Additionally, the Court ordered the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to oversee the compensation process for affected workers and their families. The NHRC, along with the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and state Chief Secretaries, is expected to ensure the efficient distribution of compensation.

This ruling follows a long-standing writ petition filed by the People’s Rights and Social Research Centre, a Delhi-based NGO, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms to address silicosis detection, prevention, and treatment. The petition argued that the widespread prevalence of silicosis among workers violates their fundamental rights to health and safety under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Since the petition’s filing in 2006, the Supreme Court has issued various orders, including recommendations from the NHRC for immediate medical relief and compensation for families of deceased workers. The Court noted significant non-compliance with safety mandates in silicosis-prone industries, particularly in states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.