The Allahabad High Court has observed that a proposed childcare facility (creche) for its staff and women advocates should ideally be located within the main building of the court complex. The observation came during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the establishment of a creche on the court premises.
The PIL, filed by advocate Jahnavi Singh, contends that the absence of a creche amounts to a denial of basic childcare facilities to women advocates and female employees working in the high court. Singh, who appeared in person, pointed out that several other high courts, including the Delhi High Court, operate well-equipped creches and emphasized the need for similar infrastructure in Allahabad.
The division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra noted that a childcare facility should, in principle, be part of the main building for convenience and accessibility. However, the high court administration submitted that the creche is proposed to be set up in a newly planned mediation centre building instead.
Taking note of the submissions, the bench directed the counsel representing the high court administration, as well as the court’s registrar, to file a detailed and final response by July 25, when the matter will be taken up next.
Singh also cited Section 11A of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, which mandates that establishments employing 50 or more individuals must provide a creche facility within a prescribed distance and allow women employees to visit it at regular intervals.
