CHENNAI: In a landmark move to uphold dignity and accessibility within India’s justice system, the judiciary issued a comprehensive directive. All High Courts and State/UT governments are now mandated to ensure clean, accessible, and separate toilets for men, women, persons with disabilities, and transgender persons in every court complex.
The order specifies the need for proper signage, ramps, regular cleaning, and a complaint system. Crucially, it mandates that these facilities be stocked with essentials: water, electricity, soap, toilet paper, and notably, sanitary napkins through stocked dispensers. Committees must plan construction, allocate dedicated funds, and file status reports to ensure compliance.
This sweeping order casts a stark, ironic light on the situation at one of India’s oldest and largest judicial institutions: Madras High Court. Established in 1862 and home to a pioneering community of women in law, the court’s oversight is glaring.
The irony is profound. The Madras HC itself had earlier ordered napkin vending machines installed in schools and colleges, yet has failed its own premises
The Madras HC boasts over 5,000 women lawyers, more than 1,000 women staff members, and sees over 100 women police personnel daily. Yet, within its vast premises, there is not a single sanitary napkin vending machine, nor are napkins sold.
This forces women into untenable situations. Advocate S Nadhiya explains the professional cost: “During continuous hearings, stepping out to buy napkins is impossible, as it directly affects concentration and casework.”
The irony is profound. The Madras HC itself had earlier ordered napkin vending machines installed in schools and colleges, yet has failed its own premises.
“Women are not asking for free provisions,” says NS Revathi, president, Women Lawyers’ Association. “While free napkins are distributed to members, scaling that to all court women is unfeasible. The demand is simpler: accessible, affordable purchase.”
Women lawyers propose vending machines, akin to the Supreme Court, Delhi, and Karnataka High Courts, or the court’s own Rs 5 cloth bag dispensers. At minimum, they request napkins be sold at reasonable prices near women’s restrooms.
During continuous hearings, stepping out to buy napkins is impossible, directly affecting concentration and caseworkAdvocate S Nadhiya
The new national directive makes this local failure not just an inconvenience, but a glaring non-compliance. As courts across India are instructed to install stocked sanitary pad dispensers, the Madras HC — with the highest number of women lawyers in the country — stands accused of neglecting a fundamental need.
The SC directive provides the framework, and the women of Madras HC have voiced the urgent need. The path to dignity is now clearly mandated — it’s time for the institution to heed its own call.