In a letter dated February 3, the association explained that the SCDRC is housed in the Old Sachivalaya building near Elphinstone College. At present, there is only one washroom on the ground floor—and it is meant for men
Mumbai: A group of women lawyers has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising concerns about the lack of proper toilet facilities for women at the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) in Mumbai.
The Interactive Lawyers Association for Women has highlighted the difficulties faced by female advocates, litigants, and staff due to the absence of a dedicated washroom for women. They have requested immediate action to provide this basic facility.
In a letter dated February 3, the association explained that the SCDRC is housed in the Old Sachivalaya building near Elphinstone College. At present, there is only one washroom on the ground floor—and it is meant for men. Women have to go to the first floor, where they share limited toilet facilities with other building occupants.
The letter emphasized the struggles of female staff and advocates, stating “Some of the lady staff members of the SCDRC and advocates have requested us to bring to your kind notice their sad plight and continued inconvenience and to help them with the basic facility of providing toilet/washroom on the ground floor of their workplace, which is their fundamental right and basic requirement.”
The Interactive Lawyers Association for Women has actively worked on similar issues in the past. They were instrumental in setting up sanitary pad vending machines in the Bombay High Court and also helped establish a crèche facility for court staff and lawyers. However, they expressed shock that an important legal institution like the SCDRC still lacks basic sanitation for women.
The letter criticized the authorities for neglecting this essential need, stating “We understand and appreciate that the said Premises is not in the rural sector but the SCDRC authorities have not considered that basic sanitation facilities like toilets, are necessary and mandatory at any workplace especially for ladies.”
The lawyers pointed out that the lack of toilets at SCDRC goes against the principles of Prime Minister Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission, which promotes cleanliness and hygiene across the country. They stressed that the issue needs to be resolved immediately to align with the objectives of the mission.
They stated:
“We are well aware and appreciate your initiative and ambitious mission to provide toilets/washrooms for one and all under your ‘Pradhan Mantri Swachh Bharat Yojana’ launched in 2014 and thereafter continued as SBM-U(Urban) 2.0 in 2021, to continue the progress made in this sector.”
The women lawyers have urged Prime Minister Modi to intervene and direct the concerned departments to resolve the issue as soon as possible. They have also sent a copy of the letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure necessary action is taken.
The demand for proper sanitation at the consumer commission is not just about convenience but also about ensuring dignity and basic rights for women working in the legal profession. The association hopes that the authorities will take immediate steps to provide a separate and well-maintained washroom for women at SCDRC.
Earlier,in RAJEEB KALITA v UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.W.P.(C) No. 538/2023, the Supreme Court of India mandated the construction of women’s toilets in court complexes and tribunals across the country.
The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justices JB Paradiwala and R Mahadevan, who underscored the critical need for improved facilities for female judicial officers and court visitors.
“The lack of adequate infrastructure in court complexes is unacceptable,”
Justice Paradiwala remarked during the proceedings.
The Court has directed state governments and union territories to allocate sufficient funds for the construction, maintenance, and regular upkeep of these facilities. A committee under the High Courts will oversee the periodic review of the implementation of these facilities to ensure compliance.
Justice Paradiwala issued a strong warning, stating that non-compliance with the directives would invite contempt of court proceedings. The case had been under consideration for some time and was resolved following a hearing in November 2024.
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