NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday took serious note of a disturbing incident in Haryana, where three women sanitation workers at Maharshi Dayanand University were forced to send photographs of their sanitary pads to prove they were menstruating. In response, the Court said it would consider framing guidelines to protect the right to health, dignity, bodily autonomy, and privacy of women and girls during menstruation.
A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan voiced concern over the rising instances of period shaming in schools, colleges, and workplaces, saying such incidents reflect a regressive mindset. The Court issued notices to the Centre and relevant ministries on a petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), which highlighted multiple cases of menstrual humiliation across the country and urged judicial intervention.
SCBA president Vikas Singh, along with office bearers Aparna Bhat and Pragya Baghel, stressed the urgent need for nationwide, enforceable guidelines to promote dignity, inclusivity, and women’s health rights. Their petition argued that the Haryana episode was far from isolated.
“These invasive and degrading checks violate women’s right to life, dignity, privacy, and bodily integrity under Article 21,” the petition stated. It added that women—particularly those in unorganised sectors—are entitled to humane working conditions that acknowledge biological differences without subjecting them to humiliating practices, especially when dealing with menstrual pain or discomfort.
After a brief hearing, the bench sought the Centre’s response and commended the SCBA for taking the initiative. The Court observed that if a woman worker is unable to perform heavy labor due to menstruation, basic accommodation should be made. “If someone says they cannot do heavy work for this reason, that should be accepted, and another person can be assigned. We hope something positive comes from this petition,” the bench remarked.
The Haryana government informed the Court that an inquiry had been initiated and action taken against two individuals responsible for the incident.
