SC refers plea on lack of school toilets for girls to same bench that ruled on menstrual health

The Supreme Court on Monday directed that a PIL seeking functional sanitation facilities for girls in all government schools be heard by the bench that earlier recognised menstrual health as part of fundamental rights. The plea, filed by advocate Reepak Kansal, names the Centre, states, and Union Territories as respondents. A bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymala Bagchi, and V Mohana noted that the issues raised were already covered by a previous comprehensive judgment and asked the counsel to examine those directions.

Kansal's PIL seeks time-bound construction, restoration, and maintenance of safe, hygienic, accessible, and separate toilets for girl students in government, government-aided, and private schools across India. It also urges the Centre to formulate and enforce Uniform National School Sanitation Standards, including running water, daily cleanliness, secure locking, menstrual hygiene facilities, and barrier-free access. The court has now listed the matter before the bench that delivered the earlier landmark ruling on menstrual health as a fundamental right.