The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of a complaint that the members of Puthirai Vannar community in the State of Tamil Nadu are forced to perform dehumanizing caste duties like washing of blood stained clothes of girls attaining puberty and the mothers after delivery.  They are also forced to wash the clothes of dead person and their close relatives till the conclusion of last rites and similar other duties.  There is no fixed time for their work.  Even the remuneration is left to the whims and fancy of the dominant caste.  If they refuse to perform such duties, they are subjected to abuse and physical assault and even forced eviction from the village.