Menstrual hygiene a right

The Supreme Court's ruling last week that the right to menstrual hygiene and health is an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution is not only a critical step forward for millions of women in India but will also go a long way in ensuring the health and well-being of the society.

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A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan issued a series of binding directions to states and Union Territories and schools, both in the public and private sector, to provide free biodegradable sanitary napkins, separate toilets, clean water, safe disposal facilities, and set up menstrual hygiene corners. These, the apex court said, were necessary to ensure the dignity, health, and equality for girls and women, and it added that financial constraints cannot be used as an excuse for noncompliance.