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The Supreme Court on Friday directed that separate toilets and sanitary pad facilities for female students be made mandatory in schools. The court made this historic decision while hearing a petition regarding the problems faced by girls during menstruation. It has issued binding orders to make this facility available in all government and private schools, instructing all states and union territories to comply within three months.
The Supreme Court clarified that the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right to menstrual health and hygiene. The judges stated that this decision is not only for school management but also for those students who are hesitant to seek help. It is also for teachers willing to help and for silent parents. The court noted that the true progress of society is measured by the protection of vulnerable groups. "Every girl should receive the message that these changes in her body are not her fault and there is no need to leave school because of them," the presiding judges in the case said in emotional words. The court also strongly stated that these words should not remain confined to the courtroom but should reach every level of society.
The order provides detailed instructions. The state governments should ensure that every government and private school has gender-segregated toilets and adequate water facilities. New schools must have special arrangements for privacy and for students with disabilities. Additionally, biodegradable sanitary napkins should be available in each school's toilet complex. To address the expected disaster situation of menstruation, each school should establish hygiene management centers, which should include extra uniforms, sanitary pads, and other necessary materials, the court also stated.
This decision has been welcomed by many social organizations and women's rights activists. Menstruation is a major obstacle in girls' education, which now has the potential to be removed. State governments are also required to submit a report within three months. This decision will be a milestone for girls' education and health.
• The Supreme Court has ordered the provision of free sanitary pads in all schools.
• Separate toilets and water facilities by gender are mandatory in every school.
• Establishing hygiene management centers for menstrual emergencies is compulsory.
• States are required to submit a compliance report within three months, marking a significant step for girls' education.