Landmark ruling addresses menstrual dignity and educational equity; non-compliance will result in school derecognition
India’s Supreme Court delivered a groundbreaking verdict on Friday, directing all government and private schools nationwide to provide free sanitary pads to female students. The ruling also mandates separate washroom facilities for boys and girls, with disability-friendly toilets required in every institution. Schools failing to comply face derecognition.
This decision culminates a four-year legal battle initiated by social worker Jaya Thakur’s 2022 public interest litigation seeking nationwide implementation of the central government’s Menstrual Hygiene Policy.
The Court grounded its judgment in constitutional principles, asserting that inadequate menstrual facilities violate Article 14 (right to equality) and Article 21 (right to life and dignity). The bench emphasized that without proper sanitary provisions and private washrooms, girls cannot participate equally in education and school activities.
In its strongly-worded judgment, the Court stated, “This order is for those classrooms where girls hesitate to seek help, for teachers who want to assist but lack resources, and for parents who may not understand the impact of their silence.”
The petition highlighted how menstrual difficulties force many girls to drop out of school when families cannot afford sanitary products. The absence of pad disposal facilities and free distribution in schools significantly disrupts girls’ education, with thousands missing school days monthly due to period-related challenges.
This ruling represents a significant step toward menstrual equity and educational access for female students across India.
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Very well compiled and informative