New Delhi – In a big win for girls across India, the Supreme Court has said that the right to menstrual health is part of the basic right to life. This means every school, whether run by the government or private people, must give free sanitary pads to girl students and make sure there are clean, separate toilets for them. The court gave this order on January 30, 2026, after looking at a case filed in 2022. The judges, Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, stressed that girls should not miss school because of periods. They want to end the shame around it and help girls stay in class. This ruling comes at a time when many girls drop out of school due to lack of pads or proper washrooms. We have checked all details from trusted news sites like The Hindu, The Times of India, and Live Law to make sure everything is correct.

The case started as a public interest litigation, which is a way for people to ask the court to fix big problems that affect many. The petitioner pointed out how many girls stop going to school after they start their periods because schools don’t have what they need. The court agreed that this is not just a health issue but touches on rights like dignity, privacy, and education. They linked it to Article 21 of the Constitution, which promises life with respect. The judges said that without safe ways to handle periods, girls can’t learn properly or feel equal. This decision builds on earlier talks about menstrual hygiene, but now it’s a strong order that everyone must follow. It’s a step forward in making India better for women and girls.

The Court’s Key Orders and What They Mean

The Supreme Court gave clear instructions to all states and Union Territories. First, every school must provide free biodegradable sanitary pads to girls from class 6 to 12. These pads should be good quality and easy to throw away without harming the environment. Schools also need to have separate toilets for boys and girls, with running water, soap, and bins for used pads. The court said these toilets must be friendly for girls with disabilities, like having ramps or handles. There should be a special corner in schools for emergencies, where girls can get pads or help if they need it suddenly.

If private schools don’t follow this, they could lose their permission to run. For government schools, the states will be held responsible, and they have to send reports to the court in three months about what they have done. The judges want quick action because this affects millions of girls every day. They noted that many girls feel embarrassed or sick during periods and skip school, which hurts their future. By making these things mandatory, the court hopes to keep more girls in education and make society fairer. This is not just about pads; it’s about giving girls the chance to dream big without worries.

The ruling also talks about teaching in schools. The court suggested adding lessons on menstrual health to break the silence and stop myths. Many families don’t talk about it, so girls learn wrong things or feel alone. By bringing it into classrooms, kids can understand it’s normal and nothing to hide. The government has a policy called ‘Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls’, and the court said it must be used everywhere. This policy was made by the Union, but now states have to make it work on the ground. It’s a team effort between center and states to help girls.

Why This Ruling Matters for Girls’ Education

Many studies show that periods are a big reason why girls leave school. In India, about 23 million girls drop out every year because of this. They don’t have pads, so they use old cloth or nothing, which can cause infections. Without clean toilets, they can’t change pads safely and feel dirty or scared. This leads to missing days, falling behind in studies, and sometimes quitting altogether. The Supreme Court saw this as a block to the right to education under Article 21A, which says kids up to 14 must get free schooling.

Justice Pardiwala said progress in society is seen when we can talk openly about things like periods without shame. He pointed out that protecting weak groups, like young girls, is key to a fair country. The court wants to measure success by how many girls stay in school and feel safe. This ruling could change lives in villages and cities, where access is uneven. In poor areas, families can’t afford pads, so free ones in school will help a lot. It also pushes for better health, as good hygiene stops diseases and keeps girls strong. Overall, it’s a push for equality, where girls get the same chances as boys.

Experts say this is a landmark because it makes menstrual health a right, not just a nice thing to do. Before, governments had schemes, but they were not always followed. Now, with court orders, there is pressure to act. Women’s groups and health workers have welcomed it, saying it will reduce stigma. One activist said it’s time we treat periods as normal, like eating or sleeping. The ruling also links to bigger goals, like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for health and gender equality. India can lead by example if this is done well.

Challenges in Making It Happen

While the order is good, putting it into practice won’t be easy. Schools in remote places might not have money or ways to get pads regularly. States need to plan budgets and supply chains. Training teachers to handle this sensitively is important too. Some schools lack even basic toilets, so building them will take time. The court gave three months for reports, but real change might need more.

There are also cultural hurdles. In some families, periods are taboo, and girls are kept home. The ruling asks for awareness drives to change minds. Governments can work with NGOs to spread the word. Monitoring is key – who will check if schools are following? The court said states must report, but maybe a national body can oversee. Past schemes like free pads in some states worked well, so they can be models. With everyone’s help, this can succeed.

Private schools worry about costs, but the court said it’s their duty under the law. They can get help from governments or companies. Biodegradable pads are better for the earth, but they might cost more. Finding cheap, good ones is a task. The ruling covers all girls, including those with disabilities, so facilities must be inclusive. This means wider doors, lower sinks, and more. It’s a full plan for better schools.

Reactions from People and Groups

Many have praised the Supreme Court. Women’s rights groups called it a game-changer. One NGO said it will save girls from dropping out and give them dignity. Parents are happy, especially in low-income families. A mother from a village said her daughter missed school often, but now it will be easier. Health experts noted that poor hygiene causes many problems, like infections, and this will help prevent them.

Justice Pardiwala said, “The right to education is a multiplier right, that enables the exercise of other human rights.” He added that barriers like periods must be removed. Justice Mahadevan stressed dignity, saying girls should live without humiliation. The bench said menstrual health is linked to life, privacy, and equality. Government officials promised to follow, with some states already starting plans.

From social media to news, people are talking. It’s seen as a step to end period poverty. International groups like UNICEF have supported similar ideas, saying India is moving forward. This could inspire other countries too.

What Happens Next

States have three months to report on steps taken. This includes buying pads, building toilets, and training. The court might check progress later. Governments can use existing funds or ask for more. Partnerships with pad makers can help supply. Schools should start now, even before full plans.

For girls, this means better days ahead. No more missing exams or feeling left out. It’s about building confidence and futures. Society benefits when girls learn and grow. This ruling is a reminder that small things like pads can make big changes. Let’s hope it’s followed well.

FAQs

What did the Supreme Court rule on menstrual health?

The Supreme Court ruled that the right to menstrual health is part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. It ordered all government and private schools to provide free biodegradable sanitary pads to girl students from classes 6 to 12, separate gender-segregated toilets with hygiene facilities, and emergency corners for menstrual needs. This ensures girls can attend school without issues related to periods.

When was this ruling given?

The ruling was given on January 30, 2026, by a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan in response to a public interest litigation filed in 2022.

Which schools does this apply to?

It applies to all schools in India, including government-run and private ones. Private schools face derecognition if they don’t comply, and states are accountable for government schools.

What facilities must schools provide?

Schools must provide free biodegradable sanitary pads, separate toilets for girls with water, soap, and disposal bins, and make them disability-friendly. There should also be an emergency area for sudden needs.

Why is this important for education?

Lack of pads and toilets causes many girls to miss school or drop out, affecting their right to education under Article 21A. This ruling helps keep girls in class and promotes equality.

What happens if schools don’t follow?

Private schools can lose their recognition, meaning they can’t operate. States must report progress in three months, and the court can take action if not done.

Does this include awareness?

Yes, the court suggested education on menstrual health in schools to end stigma and myths.

How will it be funded?

States and schools will use budgets, possibly with help from the center or companies. The focus is on affordable, eco-friendly pads.

What about girls with disabilities?

Toilets must be accessible, with features like ramps and handles, to include everyone.