India, Jan. 31 -- In a significant order expanding citizens' rights, the Supreme Court on Friday directed all States and Union Territories to provide free biodegradable sanitary napkins and functional, gender-segregated toilets for all the girl students. The verdict comes in response to a PIL filed by Jaya Thakur on December 10, 2024, seeking pan-India implementation of the 'Menstrual Hygiene Policy for school-going girls'.

The court framed four questions including whether inaccessibility to pads and toilets creates systemic barriers that prevent adolescent girls from participating in education on equal terms with boys in violation of Article 14 (equality). It also dealt with whether menstrual health is essential for reproductive health ...