SC Declares Menstrual Health a Fundamental Right, Orders Free Biodegradable Sanitary Pads in All Schools

New Delhi: According to the historicjudgement that is solely aimed at quantifying gender equality and adolescent health, the Supreme Court of Indiaon Thursday ruled that menstrual health is a fundamental right under the Constitution. In a sweeping directive, the apex court ordered all government and private schools across the country to provide free, biodegradable sanitary napkins of the highest safety and quality standards to school-going girls.

The bench observed that lack of access to menstrual hygiene products continues to be a major barrier to girls' education, often resulting in absenteeism, health complications, and social stigma. Emphasising that “dignity and bodily autonomy cannot be compromised,” the Court said that menstrual hygiene is intrinsically linked to the right to health, education, and equality.

State governments have been instructed to ensure an uninterrupted supply of pads, proper disposal mechanisms, and mandatory menstrual hygiene education within school curricula. The judgment further directs the Union Ministry of Education to set up a monitoring framework and submit periodic compliance reports.

Women's rights activists and public health experts hailed the ruling as a transformative step toward ending period poverty in India. Schools are expected to begin implementing the order within the next academic quarter.

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