HC Rules Fuel Outlet Washrooms Must Stay Open 24/7 for Public Use

Rapid Summary

• The Kerala High Court has modified its earlier order limiting public access too washrooms in petroleum retail outlets alongside national highways.
• The court directed that washrooms must remain open to the public round the clock, with display boards announcing their availability.
• Accessibility is subject to safety protocols and security considerations.
• Guidelines from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (December 2020) stress round-the-clock availability of drinking water and washrooms for public use at retail fuel outlets.
• Indian Oil CorporationS marketing guidelines allow customers and transit travelers access to toilets, but they argue these cannot be considered “public toilets.”
• Petroleum retailers previously petitioned against government measures forcing them to open toilets for unrestricted use by non-customers. They argued it disrupted operations, citing Article 300A protection for private property.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Kerala High Court decision underscores a balance between providing essential amenities on highways and respecting private property rights. While public convenience can be vital on long stretches of highway travel, concerns raised by petroleum retailers about disruption point to potential operational challenges. By mandating safety protocols alongside accessibility, the court takes a middle path that aims at minimizing risks while ensuring compliance with governmental guidelines from 2020.

This ruling has broader implications-setting precedence over how commercial entities might align their operations with civic obligations without compromising property rights or business functioning. displaying availability clearly through proper signage could reduce disputes while making these vital facilities accessible in emergencies along india’s ever-expanding national highway network.

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