New Delhi
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of accessible public toilets in all court premises across India. The Court directed state governments and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure the availability of separate toilet facilities for men, women, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and transgender persons in courts and tribunals. This ruling came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by lawyer Rajeeb Kalita.
Formation of Oversight Committees
The Supreme Court instructed each High Court to form committees to monitor the implementation of these facilities. These committees will be chaired by a judge and include officials such as the Registrar, Chief Secretary, and Bar Association representatives. They have six weeks to create a plan and submit reports on the availability and accessibility of toilets.
Maintenance and Funding of Facilities
The Court stressed that state governments and UTs must allocate adequate funds for the construction, maintenance, and cleanliness of court toilets. It emphasized the importance of maintaining these facilities throughout the year. A status report is required to be filed by all High Courts and State/UTs within four months, providing updates on the progress.
Ensuring Equality and Human Rights
In its judgment, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that access to sanitation is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The ruling highlighted the need for courts to provide hygienic and accessible facilities to judges, advocates, litigants, and staff. It also raised concerns about the lack of such facilities in rural areas, underlining the importance of equality in access to justice.