Background: The Orissa High Court recently heard a petition filed by a workers' rights organization, seeking directions to the state government to provide compensation to families of workers who died due to silicosis. The petition had argued that the workers had contracted the disease while working in stone quarries. Parties: The petition was filed by the workers' rights organization, while the respondents included the Orissa Government and the labor department. Legal issues: The main issue before the court was whether the state government had failed to provide compensation to the families of the workers. Court observations: The court ordered the state government to provide compensation, observing that the workers had died due to the negligence of the employers and the government. The court also noted that the families of the workers were entitled to compensation under the law. Significance: The order is significant as it highlights the importance of providing compensation to workers who suffer from occupational diseases. The court's decision will provide relief to the families of the workers who died due to silicosis, promoting social justice and protecting the rights of workers.