Menstrual Hygiene Right: SC Seeks Implementation Details

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has asked the Union government to gather written accounts from every state and Union Territory on steps taken to implement its directions recognising menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right under Article 21. Chief secretaries of states failing to respond could face contempt proceedings, The Economic Times reported.

At Thursday’s hearing, Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan expressed concern that the judgment might have little practical effect without implementation reaching communities, especially remote areas. The bench highlighted the barriers to education that adolescent girls continue to encounter where menstrual hygiene facilities are inadequate.

The court asked the Centre to pursue compliance seriously with all states and Union Territories and obtain written details of their actions. The immediate focus is therefore on documenting implementation, rather than recognition of the right alone. The report does not specify a response deadline, identify defaulting states or provide the full requirements of the earlier judgment.