New Delhi, Feb 3, 2026
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that menstrual health and hygiene are an essential component of the Right to Life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R.Mahadevan held that access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities is integral to dignity, privacy, equality and meaningful participation in society, and directed all states and Union Territories to take comprehensive measures to uphold this right.
The Court specifically ordered that all government and private schools must provide biodegradable sanitary napkins free of cost to girl students, ensure functional gender-segregated and disability-friendly toilets, and establish menstrual hygiene management corners stocked with essential supplies. It stressed that lack of such facilities hinders girls’ education and undermines their constitutional rights, warning of derecognition of private schools and accountability for state authorities if they fail to comply.
The judgment arose from a public interest litigation highlighting obstacles faced by adolescent girls due to inadequate menstrual support in schools. By bringing menstrual health within the ambit of Article 21, the Court expanded constitutional protections to address a long-standing public health and gender equality issue, signaling a major step forward in women’s health rights in India.