The BRICS TimesStatus report tells Supreme Court unhygienic washrooms in courts nationwide are a persistent breach of court users’ fundamental rights and dignity.
Unhygienic Washrooms Deny Fundamental Rights
The continuous poor state of washrooms in court buildings nationwide is a steady breach of basic rights. This violates the right to dignity for all users, including judges, lawyers, litigants, and staff. This was stated in a status report presented to the Supreme Court. The top court heard that bad washroom conditions are systemic, not isolated. This includes poor conditions even in High Courts in major cities. This failure points to administrative issues. These issues are tied to fund allocation, contract enforcement, and lack of accountability.
Infrastructure Fails Public Health and Accessibility
The existing court infrastructure does not meet modern utility standards. This lack directly causes a failure in public health and sanitation. Major High Courts and District Courts lack facilities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). This is a violation of their right to equality and non-discrimination. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act mandates these facilities. The lack includes non-compliant building, no ramps, missing support bars, and insufficient space for wheelchairs. Most courts also fail to provide separate and gender-inclusive washrooms. This disregards the fundamental rights and dignity of the third gender.
Impact on Professionals and Need for Micro-Level Focus
The lack of functioning crèche or childcare facilities affects female advocates and staff. It hurts their right to practice a profession as mothers. This creates a barrier to achieving gender equality in the legal field. The situation is worst in the subordinate judiciary. This shows a deep infrastructure inequity. Micro-level development is absolutely necessary. The report calls for decentralized implementation. This must focus on local needs assessment and specific budget assignment. Community oversight is needed. This will ensure water supply, plumbing, and daily cleaning contracts for every court complex.
Working Conditions and SC Directions
The poor state of these facilities impacts the working environment for court staff and judicial officers. This is particularly true in rural areas. It potentially affects their health and efficiency. It also diminishes the dignity of the justice institution. The Supreme Court received these submissions in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The PIL was filed by lawyer Rajeeb Kalita. The apex court had issued many directions on January 15. It called public toilet availability an important state duty. The court asked all High Courts, States, and UTs to ensure separate toilets. These must be available for males, females, PWDs, and transgender persons. This applies to all court premises and tribunals nationally.
Aditya Didwaniya
Akshay Didwaniya
Mayur Mohta
Pratik Agrawal
