Supreme Court Pushes for Free Sanitary Pads and Separate Toilets in Schools to Prevent Girls from Dropping Out

The Supreme Court on Monday emphasized that girls should not be forced to abandon their education because schools lack sanitary napkins or properly functioning gender-specific toilets. The court instructed the central government to ensure that its earlier directives on menstrual hygiene and sanitation are implemented effectively and in the right spirit.

The observation came after the Centre informed the court that efforts had intensified across states and Union Territories following the apex court’s January 30 ruling. In that landmark decision, authorities were directed to provide free sanitary napkins to female students and ensure the availability of usable, separate toilets for boys and girls in schools.

A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan stressed the importance of proper implementation, stating that the initiative is aimed at the welfare of women and girls across the country. The bench observed that girls should not have to stay home or engage only in domestic chores due to the absence of basic menstrual hygiene facilities.

The court also urged the Centre to monitor implementation closely and ensure that the benefits reach students in schools nationwide. Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave, representing the Centre, informed the bench that data had been collected from states over the past two and a half months to assess compliance.

Strict Directions to States and UTs In its January 30 judgment, the Supreme Court ordered all states and Union Territories to provide free oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins to school-going girls and ensure functional, gender-segregated toilets in all schools — government, government-aided, and private institutions alike.

The court underlined the importance of gender justice and educational equality, directing authorities to ensure access to menstrual hygiene products and proper sanitation infrastructure, including water connectivity and washing facilities.

The bench also directed the Centre to continue collecting regular compliance data from states and provide guidance to ensure effective implementation of the court’s orders.

Supreme Court to Review Progress Every Three Months The Supreme Court said it would review compliance every three months, with the Centre required to submit periodic progress reports. States and Union Territories have also been instructed to submit their status reports to the Centre by August 15.

The Education Ministry has been designated as the nodal ministry responsible for overseeing compliance and submitting future reports.

The court reiterated that menstrual health is part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, emphasizing that access to safe, effective, and affordable menstrual hygiene is essential for girls’ reproductive health and equal participation in education.

According to the court, the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities deprives girls of equal opportunities in school and can create long-term barriers to participation in various aspects of life.

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