On Monday, the Supreme Court's division bench, comprised of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha, issued notice to the Central Government and all states and union territories in response to a petition seeking free sanitary napkins for all adolescent girls in schools.

According to a Dasra report, over 23 million girls drop out of school each year due to a lack of proper MHM facilities, according to Advocate Varun Thakur, who appeared for the petitioner. The girls' difficulties were exacerbated by the fact that several educational institutions lacked basic toilet facilities.

The petitioner, a social worker, had sought the Supreme Court's intervention in the case under Article 32. The petition also requested separate girls' restrooms in all government, aided, and residential schools, as well as cleaners. According to the petition, insufficient Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) options were a significant barrier to education, with many girls dropping out due to a lack of sanitation facilities, menstrual products, and the stigma associated with menstruation. The court recognised the importance of the matter and asked Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta for assistance.

The petition not only requested free sanitary napkins and toilets in schools, but also a three-stage awareness campaign. -

1. Creates awareness about menstrual health and dispels the taboo surrounding it

2. Provides adequate sanitation facilities and subsidised or free sanitary products to women, especially in disadvantaged areas.

3. Ensures an efficient and sanitary manner of menstrual waste disposal.

Case Title: Jaya Thakur v GoI And Ors.

Citation: WP(C) No. 1000/2022