Should the Supreme Court Establish Guidelines on Menstruation Checks?
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Synopsis
In a landmark move, the SCBA has filed a petition with the Supreme Court urging the establishment of guidelines to protect women's rights during menstruation in educational and workplace settings, spotlighting a disturbing incident at Maharshi Dayanand University.
Key Takeaways
- Protection of women's rights during menstruation is essential.
- Guidelines are needed to maintain dignity and privacy in workplaces and schools.
- Incidents of period-shaming must be addressed.
- Legal action against violators is crucial for accountability.
- Awareness and education about menstruation need to improve.
New Delhi, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has petitioned the apex court to lay down guidelines that safeguard the health, dignity, bodily autonomy, and privacy of women and girls during menstruation or related gynaecological matters within workplaces and educational establishments.
This writ petition, submitted under Article 32 of the Constitution, arises from a troubling incident on October 26 at Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak, Haryana, where three female sanitation staff were reportedly coerced into providing photographic evidence of their menstruation status to their supervisors.
As per the petition, the workers were summoned for duty on a Sunday due to the visit of the Haryana Governor and faced verbal abuse, humiliation, and pressure until they were forced to take photographs in the washroom.
The supervisors, employed through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited, allegedly insisted on receiving photographic proof by requesting images of the workers' sanitary pads.
In the wake of this incident, the university has suspended the two supervisors and initiated an internal investigation.
The Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) has also taken notice, asking for reports from the university and Rohtak police.
The Assistant Registrar and the two supervisors have been charged under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to assault and the outraging of a woman’s modesty.
Describing the incident as disturbing, the SCBA stated: "Such occurrences are serious violations of the right to life, dignity, privacy, and bodily integrity under Article 21 of the Constitution of India."
The plea also highlighted similar incidents of period-shaming and invasive checks in schools and workplaces, referencing a 2017 case in Uttar Pradesh where 70 girls were allegedly stripped to check for menstrual blood, and a 2020 incident in Gujarat involving 68 college students who were asked to remove their underwear for inspection.
This petition, filed by advocate Pragya Baghel, urges the Centre and the Haryana government to conduct a thorough investigation into the Rohtak incident and to establish nationwide guidelines to protect the health, dignity, bodily autonomy, and privacy of women and girls during menstruation and related gynaecological issues in workplaces and educational settings.
Point of View
It is crucial to uphold the rights of women and girls, ensuring their dignity and privacy are respected. The SCBA's petition highlights a pervasive issue that requires immediate attention, reflecting the need for comprehensive guidelines to prevent such violations in the future.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What incident prompted the SCBA to file a petition?
The SCBA filed a petition following an incident at Maharshi Dayanand University where female sanitation workers were allegedly forced to provide photographic proof of their menstruation to supervisors.
What are the main concerns raised in the petition?
The petition emphasizes the violation of women's rights regarding health, dignity, privacy, and bodily autonomy during menstruation in workplaces and educational institutions.
What actions have been taken regarding the supervisors involved?
The university suspended the two supervisors and initiated an internal inquiry. They have also been booked under various legal provisions.
What systemic issues does this incident highlight?
This incident highlights ongoing issues of period-shaming and invasive checks in educational and workplace environments, which violate women's rights.
What does the SCBA seek from the Supreme Court?
The SCBA seeks guidelines to ensure the protection of women's rights during menstruation and related issues across the country.
