Menstrual Health a Fundamental Right: Supreme Court Ruling
Why in the news
The Supreme Court ruled in January 2026 that menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is a Fundamental Right.
Key facts
- Case: Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Government of India & Ors.
- Basis: Article 21, the Right to Life and Dignity.
- Directions: free sanitary napkins in schools, proper MHM infrastructure, and monitoring of compliance by authorities.
Significance
- Linking menstrual hygiene to Article 21 ties it to life with dignity.
- Authorities must now monitor compliance in schools.
Exam angle
- Article 21; MHH and MHM abbreviations.