Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Supreme Court Orders Free Sanitary Pads in Schools
The Supreme Court of India has ordered that all schools, whether government or private, must provide free sanitary pads to girl students.
They also said that schools must have separate toilets for boys and girls, including ones that are accessible for people with disabilities.
The court said that taking care of menstrual health is a basic right, just like the right to life.
This is because good menstrual health helps girls stay in school and be healthy.
The court also warned that schools that do not follow these rules might lose their recognition.
This decision was made in response to a request by a person named Jaya Thakur, who wanted the government's policy on menstrual hygiene to be followed in all schools across India.
The Supreme Court directed all states and Union Territories to provide free bio-degradable sanitary pads to girl students in all schools.
The court held that the right to menstrual health is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Separate toilets for male and female students, including disabled-friendly facilities, must be ensured in all schools.
Private schools failing to comply with the directives may face de-recognition, and governments will be held accountable for non-compliance.
The court reserved its verdict on a public interest litigation filed by Jaya Thakur seeking pan-India implementation of the 'Menstrual Hygiene Policy for school-going girls'.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan
- What
- Directed all states and Union Territories to provide free bio-degradable sanitary pads to girl students in all schools and ensure separate toilets for male and female students, including disabled-friendly facilities
- When
- January 30, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To ensure menstrual health as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, aiming to reduce absenteeism and health issues among adolescent girls
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Judges
- Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan
- Policy
- Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls
- Applicability
- All government and private schools
- Constitutional Article
- Article 21 (Right to Life)
- PIL Filed By
- Jaya Thakur
- Date of PIL
- December 10, 2024
- Date of Judgment
- January 30, 2026
Sources
Free sanitary pads for all school girls: Supreme Court says right to menstrual health a fundamental right
Supreme Court's Big Judgement on Menstrual Hygiene Policy: 'Right To Menstrual Health Part of Right to Life Under Article 21'
Supreme Court directs all states to provide free sanitary pads in all schools - Telegraph India
SC: Menstrual Health Fundamental Right, Orders free Pads for Schoolgirls
'Menstrual health a fundamental right': SC orders free sanitary pads for girls
In landmark decision, SC rules menstrual health is a fundamental right, directs schools to ensure free sanitary pads for girls
Menstrual health is fundamental right: SC orders free sanitary pads, separate toilets in school
Menstrual hygiene is fundamental right: Supreme Court orders free pads for school girls
SC says menstrual health a fundamental right, directs free sanitary pads for school girls
Supreme Court directs schools to implement menstrual hygiene measures
Menstrual health is part of the right to life and dignity: SC
SC’s Ultimatum: Private Schools to lose recognition if free sanitary pads are not provided
Gehlot welcomes SC’s direction to provide free sanitary pads in schools
Rush Hour: Menstrual health a fundamental right, DGCA says no exemption from pilot rest rules & more
SC for sensitisation of male teachers, students to deal with stigma associated with menstruation
Sensitise boys to end menstrual stigma in schools: SC
'Menstrual Health Integral To Right To Life': Top Court's Landmark Verdict
Menstrual health is fundamental right: SC
Free sanitary pads, gender-segregated toilets must in schools in three months: Supreme Court
Why Supreme Court made menstrual hygiene a fundamental right and what schools must provide
Supreme Court: Menstrual hygiene integral to right to life, education
Periods shouldn’t cost girls their education — the Supreme Court finally agrees
Supreme Court Ruling On Menstrual Hygiene, A Monumental Step Towards Women's Empowerment: Experts
