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Synopsis

The Bombay High Court, on Wednesday, directed the State Government to file an affidavit regarding the condition of menstrual sanitation in public government schools. 

The division bench of the Bombay High Court, consisting of Chief Justice Devendra K Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor was hearing a public interest litigation seeking recognition of sanitary napkins as an essential commodity for implementing the Menstrual Hygiene Management Guidelines 2015.

Government Pleader Bhupesh Sawant informed the bench that a district-level committee, led by the Principal District Judge, was formed to monitor school infrastructure after the Aurangabad bench took suo moto cognisance. 

Additionally, he informed the bench that the government had a scheme where ASHA workers provided training to girls on sanitary napkin usage. 

However, the bench highlighted the District Legal Services Authority's report, which revealed poor toilet conditions in public schools.

"Something which is expected from you is being done by the Principal District Judge. Just to ensure that girl children studying there have better facilities! We do not feel very happy to pass such orders involving PDJs in such matters. Look at the condition. The pictures are shocking," the bench said.

The bench further asked the State Government to file an affidavit as it found that there was no change on ground level. 

"Where is the change? What happened after the implementation of the scheme? File an affidavit," the bench said. 

Samant sought time to file an affidavit as it would take time to go through reports of all 15 schools. 

The high court granted time to Samant and posted the matter on 7th December.

Case title: Nikita Gore vs State of Maharashtra