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New Delhi — July 25, 2025
The Supreme Court of India has called on the Union and state governments to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding swift measures to protect outdoor workers from the mounting risks of heatwaves during the summer months. The PIL, filed by Adil Sharfuddin, was presented on Wednesday before a bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai.
Alarming Rise in Heatwave Fatalities
During the hearing, senior advocate M R Shamshad highlighted the growing danger posed by intense heatwaves, pointing to a disturbing rise in related fatalities:
| Year | Recorded Heatwave Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 374 |
| 2022 | 730 |
| 2023 | 264 |
| 2024 | 733 |
According to the PIL, these figures reflect a troubling trend, with the number of deaths spiking in recent years. The issue, as argued by the petitioner, has become increasingly urgent as heatwaves grow in both frequency and severity.
Outdoor Workers Vulnerable
The PIL underlined the heightened vulnerability of outdoor workers, particularly those in India’s vast unorganised sector. These workers often lack basic employment protections:
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Job insecurity
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Absence of social security
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Limited access to healthcare facilities
The combination of these factors, the petition stated, leaves millions at risk every summer, exacerbating the consequences of extreme weather conditions. The petitioner has urged the government to devise a dedicated scheme focused specifically on safeguarding outdoor laborers from dangerous heat exposure.
Supreme Court’s Direction
Acting on these concerns, the Supreme Court has sought responses from both the central and state authorities. The bench emphasized the urgent need for all responsible bodies to consider and implement protective measures for vulnerable populations as weather extremes become a recurring reality.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information reported by Economic Times Health on July 25, 2025. The details and figures provided reflect those available at the time of publication and may be subject to further updates or official revision.
