Delhi High Court Mandates Sanitary Facilities for Women Police Officers

The Delhi High Court has mandated the installation of sanitary pad vending machines and separate washrooms for female police officers in all police stations. This directive follows a petition highlighting the lack of basic sanitation facilities for women during their menstrual cycles. The court has ordered a survey to be conducted within six weeks to ensure compliance. The ruling emphasizes the importance of these facilities for the dignity and health of women in law enforcement, reinforcing their constitutional rights. The upcoming hearing will further address the steps taken by the police in response to this order.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 18:44 IST

Court Orders Implementation of Sanitary Facilities

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court instructed the police to install sanitary pad vending machines in all police stations across the capital and provide separate washrooms for female staff. The court directed the police commissioner to conduct a survey of all police stations within six weeks to assess the availability of these facilities. The bench, comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia, emphasized that based on the survey report, necessary measures should be taken to ensure that each police station is equipped with sanitary pad vending machines and dedicated washrooms for women.

The hearing for this matter is scheduled for September 23, and the court has requested a sworn affidavit detailing the actions taken by the police.

Legal Action for Women's Sanitation Rights

The court's order came in response to a petition demanding basic sanitation and hygiene facilities for women police officers during their menstrual cycles. Notices were issued to the central government, the Delhi government, and the police. The bench stated that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure the provision of sanitary pad vending machines and separate washrooms for female personnel in every police station, based on the survey report. They expressed a desire for the police commissioner to oversee the survey of all police stations, which should be completed within six weeks.

The petition, filed by the NGO 'Justice for Rights Foundation,' argued that such essential facilities are crucial for upholding constitutional rights under Article 21, as they are integral to dignity, health, privacy, and the right to live in humane conditions at the workplace.

Concerns Over Lack of Facilities

Citing information obtained through an RTI request, the petitioner highlighted that thousands of female police officers are stationed at hundreds of police stations in Delhi, yet only a few stations have sanitary pad vending machines. Furthermore, there is no budget or policy in place for sanitation facilities and infrastructure. The petition stated that the government's failure to provide these basic amenities is more than just an administrative oversight; it constitutes a violation of the dignity, health, privacy, and safe working conditions of female police officers, contravening Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.