The Himachal Pradesh High Court has warned the Shimla Municipal Corporation and Sulabh International of potential contempt action following allegations that women are being charged Rs. 5 for using urinals that are supposed to be free of charge.

A bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja made this observation while instructing the Shimla Municipal Corporation and Sulabh International to strictly comply with the court's orders regarding the free use of public toilets.

"It has been brought to our notice that despite the orders of this Court, as also undertaking furnished by the Sulabh International Social Service Organization that urinals are free for both ladies and gents, yet users of the ladies toilets are being fleeced and an amount of Rs. 5/- minimum is being charged from them. This indeed is a serious matter."

The division bench issued this directive while addressing a suo moto Public Interest Litigation concerning the maintenance of public toilets in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, and the provision of facilities along the Parwanoo-Shimla highway.

The Court further directed the authorities to ensure extensive publicity through print, electronic media, and local cable networks regarding these directives. Regarding the development of wayside amenities between Parwanoo and Shimla, the Court acknowledged that the issue is currently under review by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

As a result, the Court included the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, represented by its Secretary, as a respondent in the case.

Additionally, recognizing the commendable efforts of the HPPWD Horticulture Wing in beautifying the dumping site along the highway, the Court directed that it be independently impleaded as a respondent in the suo moto Public Interest Litigation.

The Court also expressed its appreciation for the diligent efforts of the state officers in ensuring compliance with the directives issued in the suo moto PIL.

Furthermore, the Court acknowledged the proactive contributions of Dr. Sujata Sirkeck Verma, Law Officer, and Dr. Suresh C. Attri, Chief Scientific Officer, Department of Environment Science and Technology. The Department's initiative to map all 131 public convenience toilets in and around Shimla was also brought to the Court's attention.