Free Sanitary Pads, Separate Toilets and Spare Uniforms: Supreme Court Strengthens Menstrual Hygiene Rights in Schools

New Delhi | 30 January 2026 In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has directed all states and Union Territories to ensure proper menstrual hygiene facilities for school-going girls. A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan ordered that all schools must provide free biodegradable sanitary pads to students. The Court clearly stated that menstrual hygiene is not a luxury but a basic right and is covered under the right to life guaranteed by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The order applies to all schools, whether they are run by the government or privately managed. The Court also instructed states and Union Territories to ensure that all schools have separate toilets for female and male students. In addition, schools must provide disabled-friendly toilets, clean water, soap, sanitary napkins, and spare uniforms for girls. According to the directions, sanitary pads must be made available for students studying in classes 6 to 12. The bench made it clear that governments will be held accountable if these facilities are not provided on the ground. This ruling came while examining the implementation of the Centre’s ‘Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls’ in government schools. The Court underlined that access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities is closely linked to education and dignity. It noted that many girls miss school or feel ashamed during menstruation due to lack of support and facilities. By ensuring these basic needs, girls will be able to attend school regularly and participate equally in education. While explaining the constitutional importance of menstrual health, the Court said, "The right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right to menstrual health. Access to safe, effective, and affordable menstrual hygiene management measures helps a girl child attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. The right to a healthy reproductive life embraces the right to access education and information about sexual health. The right to equality is expressed through the right to participate on equal terms. At the same time, equality of opportunity necessitates that everyone has a fair chance to acquire the skills necessary to access benefits." The Court further observed that denying menstrual hygiene facilities amounts to a violation of a girl child’s dignity. Addressing young girls who are forced to stay away from school during their periods, the judgment sent out a strong message: “The fault is not yours.” Supreme Court Orders Free Sanitary Pads and Better Facilities for Girls in Schools The Supreme Court has passed an important order to improve menstrual hygiene facilities for school-going girls across the country. A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed all states and Union Territories to provide free biodegradable sanitary pads in schools. The Court said that menstrual hygiene is a basic need and clearly falls under the right to life given by Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court also asked authorities to make sure that all schools have separate toilets for girls and boys. Along with this, schools must provide clean water, soap, sanitary napkins, spare uniforms for girls, and disabled-friendly toilets. These facilities must be available in all schools, whether they are government-run or private, especially for students from classes 6 to 12. The order was passed while reviewing the Centre’s ‘Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls’. The Court said that lack of menstrual hygiene facilities forces many girls to miss school and affects their dignity and confidence. It added that governments will be held responsible if schools fail to provide toilets and free sanitary pads to girls. Explaining the importance of the issue, the Court said, "The right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right to menstrual health." It also noted that denying access to menstrual hygiene amounts to a violation of dignity. Addressing girls who stay away from school during periods, the judgment sent a clear message: “The fault is not yours.”