In a pivotal decision aimed at improving facilities for women, especially for persons with disabilities and transgender individuals, the Supreme Court of India has mandated the construction of women’s toilets in court complexes and tribunals nationwide. The ruling, handed down by a bench comprising Justices JB Paradiwala and R Mahadevan, emphasizes the need for better infrastructure to support women in the judiciary system.
The Court has directed state governments and union territories to allocate sufficient funds for the construction, maintenance, and upkeep of these facilities. A committee will be formed under the auspices of the High Courts to periodically review the implementation of these facilities.
Justice Paradiwala issued a stern warning during the proceedings, stating that failure to comply with these directives would result in contempt of court actions. This decision comes after the case had been pending and was only resolved after a hearing in November 2024. The Court expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of facilities, noting that many courts do not provide private toilets for female judicial officers.
The ruling further stipulated that women’s toilets should be equipped with sanitary napkin dispensers and that special attention should be paid to their maintenance. The Supreme Court has ordered that a copy of the decision be sent to the Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories and the Registrar Generals of all High Courts to ensure strict compliance with the ruling.
