The Supreme Court of India has expressed deep anguish and displeasure over the lack of basic amenities, particularly toilets for women litigants and lawyers, in district and subordinate courts across the country. Taking a stern view of the failure of several High Courts to submit comprehensive status reports on the matter, the Apex Court observed that such a deficiency is a significant impediment to accessing justice and has granted a final opportunity to the non-compliant High Courts to file their reports.
Background of the Case
The issue arose during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the deplorable state of judicial infrastructure in the lower courts. The Supreme Court had previously directed all High Courts in the country to conduct a survey and file detailed reports through their Registrars General. The survey was intended to cover the state of infrastructure, including the adequacy of courtrooms, availability of toilets, status of digitization, and accessibility for persons with disabilities. The initiative aimed to identify and rectify the grassroots-level deficiencies plaguing the justice delivery system.

Submissions and Court’s Analysis
During the proceedings, the Amicus Curiae (friend of the court) informed the Bench that despite clear directives, several High Courts had failed to submit their reports in the prescribed format. Reacting to this submission, the Bench conveyed its serious disappointment.
The Court emphasized that judicial infrastructure is not merely about grand buildings but about ensuring basic facilities that uphold the dignity of litigants, lawyers, and court staff. The Bench orally remarked, “It is anguishing to note that after more than 75 years of Independence, we do not have basic toilet facilities in our courts. This is a fundamental aspect of the right to access justice.”
The Supreme Court specifically highlighted the gendered dimension of the issue. The Court observed, “The lack of toilets, especially clean and functional toilets for women, is a significant barrier for women lawyers and litigants. It discourages them from participating fully in the justice system and infringes upon their fundamental rights.”
The Bench expressed its dismay that the High Courts, as guardians of the judicial system in their respective states, had failed to comply with the directions issued by the Apex Court. The Court noted that such inaction reflects a systemic inertia that cannot be countenanced.
Decision of the Court
Adopting a stern posture, the Supreme Court granted a final opportunity to the Registrars General of all defaulting High Courts who have not yet filed their reports. The Court has directed that complete and comprehensive reports must be mandatorily filed with the Registry of the Supreme Court within a specified timeframe.
The Bench made it clear that any further failure to comply with this direction would be viewed seriously, and the concerned officials might be directed to remain personally present before the Court. The matter has been listed for a future date to review compliance and for further directions.