On January 20, 2026, the Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to provide biodegradable menstrual sanitary pads free of cost to girl students in both private and government schools. The court declared that the right to menstrual health is part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan ordered that all schools must have separate toilets for female and male students. Schools must also have disabled-friendly toilets, regardless of whether they are government-run or privately controlled. The court warned that private schools failing to provide these facilities will face de-recognition. Governments will also be held accountable if they do not ensure toilets and free sanitary pads for girls. This ruling follows a Public Interest Litigation filed by Jaya Thakur on December 10, 2024, seeking nationwide implementation of the Union government's 'Menstrual Hygiene Policy' for girls from Classes 6 to 12 in government and government-aided schools.