The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to DMRC on a PIL alleging poor maintenance and shortage of sanitary pad vending machines across metro stations. The court observed the issue impacts women’s fundamental rights and demanded a full survey report by September 24.
New Delhi: On August 13, the Delhi High Court took serious note of the lack of proper sanitary pad facilities in Delhi Metro stations and issued a notice to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on this matter.
The PIL points out that many stations either do not have sanitary pad vending machines or the few that exist are not maintained properly.
Also Read: Supreme Court | Commercial Curative Petitions: In DMRC vs. DAMEPL Case
A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed that the case directly affects the fundamental rights of women commuters who use the Delhi Metro every day.
The court made it clear that the absence of such facilities in station toilets causes unnecessary and avoidable trouble for women passengers.
The court has now directed DMRC to provide a full report giving the total number of vending machines and sanitary pad disposal units installed at all metro stations, and also to state how many of them are actually in working condition.
Along with this, DMRC has been ordered to carry out a fresh survey and submit the findings before the next hearing scheduled for 24 September.
During the hearing, the bench specifically questioned the DMRC’s counsel regarding the figures mentioned in the petition, which claims that out of 286 metro stations, only 14 have vending machines, and of these, merely 5 or 6 are working.
The court remarked —
“How is it that your instructions are that you don’t know?”
The PIL has been filed by advocate Nikhil Goyal, who is appearing in person. He told the court that the case is being fought purely in public interest and that he has no personal or financial gain in the matter.
The petition highlights that around 30–35 lakh women use the Delhi Metro every day, yet sanitary pad access inside stations is extremely poor. It further says that in most cases, the few machines that exist are only operational because of NGOs, not because of DMRC’s efforts.
The petitioner argues that the lack of functional vending machines and disposal facilities not only causes discomfort but also harms the dignity, health, and equality of women. This, he says, is a violation of their fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution.
Also Read: Supreme Court Warns DAMEPL, Axis Bank: Comply with DMRC Dispute Order or Face Action
The petition has requested the High Court to order DMRC to install sanitary pad vending machines and disposal units in all metro stations, to maintain them regularly, and to make sure they are easily accessible to commuters.
It has also asked for an effective grievance redressal system so that passengers can immediately report any issues related to these facilities.
Click Here to Read More Reports On DMRC
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
