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Washrooms Woes

21 0
17.07.2026

This Write up is penned down to underline an urgent societal need as women employees suffer in absence of washrooms in their offices.On January, 15, 2025, the Supreme Court of India delivered a significant judgment, declaring that access to clean public toilets is a basic right and essential for human dignity. This decision had been set as part of a wider exertion to address sanitation issues and ensure that public toilets are available, accessible, and maintained for everyone, regardless of gender or disability. The court emphasized that having access to clean and functional toilets is not just a matter of convenience but is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. This right also includes the need for a safe and hygienic environment, especially in public spaces like courts, tribunals, Govt Offices and highways. The judgment specifically mentioned the need for gender-sensitive toilets that cater to all people, including men, women, persons with disabilities, and transgender persons. The court said that States and Union Territories have a responsibility to ensure these facilities are available, accessible, and maintained throughout the year. More than one year has passed, the situation on ground has not changed and the most suffering are women employees, workers and labourers in absence of Washrooms or toilets. 

The employers in the country and particularly in Jammu and Kashmir have failed to provide sufficient and separate toilet facilities for female workers, leaving women struggling to find safe sanitation........

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