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PadMan Hails SC Menstrual Health Ruling as "True Diwali" for Women

The Supreme Court has ruled that the right to menstrual health and hygiene is a fundamental right under the Constitution. The verdict mandates that all schools provide free, high-quality sanitary pads and establish proper menstrual hygiene management facilities. Social activist Arunachalam Muruganantham, inspiration for the film 'PadMan', hailed the decision as a historic "true Diwali" for women's health. The bench emphasized that progress is measured by protecting the vulnerable.

Key Points: SC Declares Menstrual Hygiene a Fundamental Right

  • SC declares menstrual hygiene a fundamental right
  • Mandates free sanitary pads in all schools
  • Requires separate toilets and hygiene facilities
  • Ruling part of Right to Life and Education
3 min read

"True Diwali for women's health": PadMan's Arunachalam Muruganantham hails SC verdict on menstrual health

PadMan Arunachalam Muruganantham hails landmark Supreme Court verdict mandating free sanitary pads and hygiene facilities in all schools.

"Today feels like a true Diwali for us and for millions of girls and women across India. - Arunachalam Muruganantham"

Coimbatore, January 31

Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social activist who was also the inspiration behind Akshay Kumar-starrer 'PadMan', on Friday hailed the recent Supreme Court verdict regarding menstrual health and hygiene.

Muruganantham's statement said the decision was similar to the feeling of Diwali for those involved in menstrual hygiene awareness.

"Today feels like a true Diwali for us and for millions of girls and women across India. After 25 years of working on menstrual hygiene awareness, seeing it recognized as a Fundamental Right is an emotional and historic moment. Yes, today Friday, "Landmark Ruling On Women's Health: SC Declares Menstrual Hygiene A Fundamental Right; Mandates Free Sanitary Pads Distribution, Separate Toilets In Schools" India is not just changing -- we are setting an example for the world.", he stated.

Expressing his gratitude towards the Supreme Court, PM, and Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, among others for their decision, he stated, "I'm deeply grateful to the Supreme Court for this landmark step, and I appreciate the support from our Prime Minister, Akshay Kumar and the whole team of Padman, and the many silent warriors who stood behind this cause."

Highlighting the impact of this verdict, Muruganantham stated, "This victory belongs to every woman who suffered in silence and every person who believed dignity and hygiene are basic human rights."

This comes after the Supreme Court held that the right to menstrual health and hygiene forms part of the Right to Life under Article 21 and the Right to Free and Compulsory Education under Article 21A of the Constitution.

Thus, it has been directed that all schools in India, whether private or government, in both urban and rural areas, must provide free biodegradable sanitary napkins of the highest safety and hygiene standards to girls.

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan noted that all authorities shall also ensure the establishment of menstrual hygiene management facilities in schools. The Court, in its ruling, stated that directions regarding the disposal of sanitary waste have been issued in its detailed judgement (yet to be uploaded on the website).

"Before parting with the issue, we want to say that this pronouncement is not just for stakeholders of the legal system. It is also meant for classrooms where girls hesitate to ask for help. It is for teachers who want to help but are not able to due to the lack of resources...Progress is measured by how we protect the vulnerable," Justice Pardiwala observed.

Arunachalam Muruganantham is a social activist from Tamil Nadu who introduced low-cost sanitary pads to villages in India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Finally! A verdict that truly understands ground reality. Muruganantham sir is a real hero. The implementation will be key though - hope state governments allocate proper budgets and ensure supply chains reach remote villages.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with NGOs on menstrual health, this is incredible. Recognizing it as a fundamental right under Article 21 gives it the legal weight needed for enforcement. Huge respect to all the activists who fought for this.
A
Aditya G
A landmark judgement indeed. My only concern is the "biodegradable" part. We need to ensure the quality is not compromised. Cheap pads that cause rashes or infections would defeat the whole purpose. The standards must be strictly monitored.
M
Meera T
This news brought tears to my eyes. Thinking of my mother and grandmother who had to use cloth in secrecy. This is progress that touches the core of women's dignity. Thank you, Supreme Court. Thank you, PadMan.
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Karthik V
Great step, but the focus shouldn't just be on schools. What about working women in factories, daily wage laborers, or women in rural areas who aren't in school? The right to menstrual hygiene is for all women, not just students. Hope this is phase one.
N
Nisha Z
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