India, Feb. 17 -- Supreme Court says menstrual health is part of the right to dignity and merits constitutional protection.

Despite gains in toilets and tap connections, "period poverty" persists due to uneven access and non-functional facilities.

Ten states and eight Union Territories failed to report on menstrual hygiene policy implementation after three years.

Court signals that equality requires sustained state action across health, education, environment and gender.

EInclusive menstrual education, informed product choice and greater collaboration with civil society need of the hour.

While delivering the judgement, the apex court observed that although official statistics point to significant gains in toilet construction and hous...