Legal provisions involved: Articles 21, 21A, 47 of the Constitution; Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009

Judgement by: Supreme Court of India

Judge/Bench: Justice J.B. Pardiwala & Justice R. Mahadevan

Facts

A petition sought directions to provide free sanitary pads and separate, clean toilets for girls in classes 6–12 in government and aided schools. The Court noted that menstruation is often treated as a taboo, and boys and male teachers need to be educated to support girls properly.

Key legal provisions

Articles 21, 21A, 47 of the Constitution

Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009

Issues raised

How can schools ensure girls manage menstruation safely and with dignity? What role should boys and male teachers play?

Arguments of the case

The petitioner highlighted lack of awareness and poor facilities; the government said some measures already exist.

Judgement

The Court directed free sanitary pads, functional separate toilets, and programs to educate boys and male teachers. Creating a stigma-free, empathetic environment is as important as providing facilities.

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