Supreme Court warns of contempt against non-responsive states over menstrual hygiene

The Court is addressing the non-response of States and Union Territories to the Union Government's request for information on how this right is being implemented.

Who it concerns: Petitioner: Dr. Jaya Thakur; Respondents: Government of India & Ors.; Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Hon'ble Mr. Justice R. Mahadevan.

What the court decided

• Directed the Union to seriously engage with each State/UT to obtain written information on steps taken to implement the judgment.
• Instructed the Union to study the judgment and seek information on all aspects, with special attention to paragraphs 11, 13 to 23 of the order dated 01.09.2026.
• Permitted the Union to prepare a format of questions to seek replies from States/UTs to comply with paragraph 23 of the previous order.
• Granted one last opportunity for compliance.
• Matter posted for further hearing on 14th December, 2026 at 02:30 P.M.

Also in the document

• The Court expressed dissatisfaction that States/UTs have not responded to the Union's request for information despite the Union taking the issue seriously.
• The Court stated that the judgment was delivered in the interest of young girls, particularly in remote areas, who are giving up education due to menstrual hygiene issues.
• The Court warned of contempt proceedings against Chief Secretaries of non-responsive States/UTs if the situation persists at the next hearing.