Supreme Court Issues Show-Cause Notices To States, UTs Over Menstrual Hygiene PIL

The Supreme Court has issued show-cause notices to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories over their failure to submit responses in a PIL seeking wider access to affordable menstrual hygiene products.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymala Bagchi and V Mohana noted that authorities had received the court’s notices but failed to file reply affidavits or compliance reports.

The Bench directed the Chief Secretaries to explain why the court should not impose a cost of Rs 25,000 on each State and Union Territory for the delay.

Advocate Filza Moonis filed the PIL on behalf of a senior citizen and social worker.

The plea seeks directions to make Jan Aushadhi Suvidha oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins available through Fair Price Shops to ration card holders covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013.

The petitioner argued that Jan Aushadhi Kendras do not adequately cover rural and economically weaker communities.

In contrast, Fair Price Shops operate across villages and localities and already serve beneficiaries under the public distribution system.

The plea cited government data showing 4,78,773 Fair Price Shops compared with 19,294 Jan Aushadhi Kendras as of April 14, 2026. It highlighted gaps in menstrual hygiene access among rural and economically disadvantaged adolescent girls.

The petition referred to the Jan Aushadhi Suvidha scheme and the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Government of India recognised menstrual health as part of the right to life under Article 21. The Supreme Court had issued notice on the plea on July 14.

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