SC orders for separate toilet facilities in court premises across the country

The Supreme Court yesterday ordered the construction and availability of separate toilet facilities for males, females, PwD, and transgender persons in all court premises and tribunals across the country. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan said that toilets are not merely a matter of convenience, but a basic necessity which is a facet of human rights. Access to proper sanitation is recognised as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to



life and personal liberty. 

This right inherently includes ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for all individuals. The Apex Court said, there is a discernible duty on every State and UT under Part IV of the Constitution to ensure a healthy environment and to continuously strive to improve public health, added Justice Pardiwala-led Bench. The apex court was hearing a writ petition in nature of a public interest litigation.