Menstrual Hygiene Must Not Remain a Right ‘Only on Paper’: Supreme Court
What Happened
The Supreme Court has sought written information from all states and Union Territories on steps taken to implement its directions recognising menstrual hygiene and menstrual health as facets of the fundamental right to life under Article 21. The court expressed concern that states and UTs had not responded to the Centre’s requests for implementation details and warned that Chief Secretaries of those failing to respond could face contempt notices. The directions concern menstrual hygiene facilities for schoolgirls, including functional toilets, access to sanitary napkins and menstrual hygiene management facilities.
Key Takeaways
The court wants its menstrual hygiene ruling implemented on the ground, not left “only on paper,” particularly as inadequate facilities can affect girls’ education in remote areas.