Yesterday, On 12th November, The Supreme Court raised concerns over the lack of private washroom facilities for women judges in a Gujarat court. A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Pankaj Mithal noted that a judicial officer reported having to use a senior judge’s washroom due to the absence of separate facilities. This issue was highlighted in a letter sent by the officer, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure for women in the judiciary.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court highlighted a letter from a female judicial officer in Gujarat expressing concerns over the lack of private washrooms for women judges in court premises.
A bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Pankaj Mithal noted that the officer’s letter mentioned she was compelled to use her senior judge’s washroom due to this unavailability.
Justice Pardiwala remarked, addressing Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati,
“We have received a letter from a very good judge from the State of Gujarat. She says that she does not have her private washroom and has to ask her senior civil judge to use his washroom. This is not good, Ms. Bhati,”
The Court emphasized the importance of providing private washrooms for female judicial officers in court facilities.
The Supreme Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking toilet facilities in judicial establishments for men, women, and transgender persons, as well as separate toilets for litigants, lawyers, and judicial officers.
The Court had previously directed all High Courts to submit affidavits detailing:
- The availability of toilets for men, women, and transgender individuals;
- Maintenance efforts for these facilities;
- Separate facilities for litigants, lawyers, and judicial officers;
- Adequate sanitary napkin dispensers in women’s toilets.
During the hearing, the Court was informed that the High Courts had filed their affidavits.
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The Court noted,
“In pursuance of directions issued by this Court on 8/5/23, all the High Courts have filed affidavits pointing out steps taken regarding the issues raised in the PIL,”
The petitioner’s counsel expressed a desire to highlight remaining shortcomings, prompting the Court to request both the petitioner and ASG Aishwarya Bhati to review the affidavits and identify any persistent gaps.
The case will be heard again on November 26, with Advocate Charu Ambwani representing the petitioner.