Supreme Court Warns States on Menstrual Rights

The Supreme Court has given states and Union Territories a final opportunity to report on their implementation of a landmark judgment recognizing menstrual health as a fundamental right.

The apex court expressed significant displeasure regarding the lack of response from various regions to the Union's inquiries about implementing this crucial aspect of Article 21 of the Constitution.

Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan noted that the court's judgment, delivered on January 30, declares menstrual hygiene and health as integral to the right to life and personal liberty.

During the October 13 hearing, the bench was informed that states and UTs had not responded to the Union government's requests for information on their implementation strategies.

The court emphasized that the verdict was critical for young girls, particularly in remote areas, who often abandon education due to menstrual hygiene issues.

As a result, the court directed the Union to seriously pursue this matter with each state and UT, demanding written reports on their implemented steps.

A final hearing is scheduled for December 14, with the bench indicating that contempt notices against chief secretaries would be issued if states remain unresponsive.

Previous orders highlighted the need for gender-segregated, functional toilets with water connectivity in schools. The Centre had reported constructing over 30,000 such facilities and having more under construction.

The court's earlier January judgment mandated that all schools, regardless of location or management, must provide functional, gender-segregated toilets with water and free sanitary napkins to girl students.