Plea highlights deplorable conditions of washrooms in Delhi's district courts; HC orders inspection

The Delhi High Court directed the Principal District and Sessions judges of all district courts in the city to take cognisance of the matter to ensure that inspections of all washroom facilities, both for men and women, are carried out within their respective jurisdictions.

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has ordered inspection of washroom facilities in all the district courts here on the aspects of hygiene, functionality and safety, saying access to clean and secure toilets is a basic necessity especially for women.

The high court directed the Principal District and Sessions judges of all district courts in the city to take cognisance of the matter to ensure that inspections of all washroom facilities, both for men and women, are carried out within their respective jurisdictions.

It also directed the Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD) to take corrective measures to ensure that all male and female washroom facilities are restored to a functional and sanitary condition in the district courts.

"This court reiterates that access to clean, functional and secure washroom facilities is a basic necessity, especially for women members of the Bar.

The safety, privacy, and health of female lawyers must be safeguarded, and the respondents are expected to treat this matter with the seriousness it warrants.

"The PWD and other civic agencies shall extend full cooperation and coordinate with other stakeholders to ensure compliance of this order," Justice Sanjeev Narula said.

These inspections should focus on the functionality, hygiene and safety of the washroom facilities and a compliance report indicating any necessary repairs or improvements should be filed before the court within two weeks.

The high court was hearing a petition by a practicing woman lawyer highlighting the deplorable and unhygienic conditions of the washroom facilities in the lawyers chamber block in Saket district court here, particularly those meant for women lawyers.

The court perused the photographs placed by the lawyer and said they depict an alarming state of neglect, with washrooms maintained in unsanitary conditions.

The petitioner had also given a representation to the authorities concerned, highlighting critical issues including non-functional toilet seats, absence of adequate water supply and the state of washroom doors that are either broken or lack proper locking mechanisms.

The court said the situation is particularly concerning for women lawyers, for whom privacy and safety are paramount.

It noted that despite the petitioner's representation, no response or remedial action has been forthcoming from the authorities.

"The unhygienic conditions in the washrooms directly affect the safety and health of women lawyers using these facilities. The failure to provide clean, functional, and safe washrooms, particularly in an environment as vital as the district courts demands immediate attention of all stakeholders," the court said.

It added that necessary steps must be taken by the authorities to rectify the current situation and ensure that these facilities meet a basic standard of hygiene.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, the judge appointed a court commissioner to conduct a thorough inspection of the women's washrooms in all district courts.

The high court said the court commissioner shall prepare a comprehensive report on the conditions of washrooms, identifying deficiencies and providing photographic evidence of her findings.

The report, which should also outline steps taken by the authorities to rectify the situation, will be submitted in the court before December 5, the next date of hearing.

The court also directed PWD to put in place a regular maintenance schedule to prevent future deterioration of these essential facilities.