Human Rights Milestone: India SC Rules Menstrual Hygiene is a Right

In a landmark 2026 ruling, the Supreme Court of India has declared that the lack of menstrual hygiene facilities in schools violates fundamental constitutional rights to dignity and education.

Key Update

* The Ruling: SC invokes Articles 14, 21, and 21A to protect dignified menstrual health.
* The Mandate: All schools must provide sanitary products and gender-segregated toilets.
* Significance: First time menstrual hygiene is linked directly to the Right to Education (21A).

Details

The Supreme Court of India ruled that a lack of menstrual hygiene facilities in schools violates fundamental constitutional rights. The court recognized that dignified menstrual health is essential for equality, dignity, and access to education. The court imposed positive state duties to provide sanitary products, gender-segregated toilets, and disposal systems.

Background

For years, millions of girls in India have dropped out of school or faced significant absenteeism due to the lack of proper toilets and hygiene products. This case was pushed by a coalition of activists who argued that menstrual health is not just a biological issue, but a civil rights issue that blocks economic participation.

Impact

* Educational Equity: Expected to significantly reduce dropout rates among adolescent girls.
* Public Health: Mandates an overhaul of infrastructure in rural schools across the country.
* Global Precedent: Other developing nations are expected to cite this ruling in their own constitutional cases.