New Delhi: The Supreme Court has ruled that the right to menstrual hygiene is an integral part of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, issuing a series of binding directions to States, Union Territories and schools to ensure dignity, health and equality for girls and women.
A Bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan directed all States and Union Territories to ensure that every school provides biodegradable sanitary napkins free of cost to adolescent girls. The directions are mandatory and applicable to both government and private educational institutions.
The Bench observed that the lack of basic facilities and the stigma associated with menstruation have a direct adverse impact on the health, education, privacy and dignity of girls. It further ordered authorities to ensure that all schools are equipped with functional, hygienic and gender-segregated toilets.
The Court also directed the pan-India implementation of the Union Government’s ‘Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls’ for adolescent girls studying in Classes 6 to 12. The policy aims to address menstrual health management in schools and promote awareness and access to essential facilities.
The apex court was hearing a plea seeking the provision of free sanitary pads and adequate sanitation facilities for schoolgirls across the country. Making its stance clear, the Court warned that non-compliance would invite strict action, including derecognition of private schools that fail to provide separate toilets for girls and boys or do not ensure access to free sanitary napkins for students. (Agencies)
