The Delhi High Court recently directed the State government and the Bar Associations in the national capital to ensure cleanliness and upkeep of washrooms in court premises [Smita Kumari Rajgarhia vs Government of NCT of Delhi]..The Court specifically directed the State and the Public Works Department (PWD) to commence construction and repair of those washrooms with respect to which tenders have already been awarded."The PWD, GNCTD shall forthwith commence construction and repair work for washrooms where tenders have already been awarded. For locations where tenders are pending, the process shall be expedited and brought to completion at the earliest. This work shall commence immediately upon the relaxation of the GRAP-IV regulating restrictions," the Court directed in its order of December 5, 2024. The Court passed directions on a petition concerning infrastructural inadequacies in female washrooms at Lawyers’ Chambers Block of Saket Court..In October 2024, the Court had appointed a Court Commissioner to assess the conditions of female washrooms across all District Courts in Delhi..When the matter was heard on December 5, Justice Sanjeev Narula noted that the Court Commissioner's report painted a “distressing picture” regarding sanitation and infrastructure of washrooms/ toilets in courts.“The negligence displayed in maintaining these facilities cannot be overlooked. The lack of hygiene products, poor maintenance, and infrastructural inadequacies demand immediate action,” the Court stated..The Court noted from the report that most female washrooms in the Lawyers’ Chamber Blocks lack adequate infrastructure, such as, proper lighting, ventilation, water supply and functional sanitary facilities.The Court also noted that maintenance and cleaning of the washrooms was not happening due to insufficient number of sanitation staff..In light of the above, it proceeded to direct the State to repair existing washrooms and construct new ones where tenders have already been awarded.The Chief Engineers of the PWD for each court complex were directed to coordinate with the respective Principal District and Sessions Judges to ensure uninterrupted water supply to all washrooms.The Principal District and Sessions Judges of all District Courts were directed to identify remedial measures from the Court Commissioner’s report and ensure its effective implementation..“While the petition specifically pertains to female washrooms, these directions shall apply equally to male, female and handicapped washrooms in District Courts, to ensure a uniform standard of hygiene and functionality,” the Court stated.The Court also directed the Bar Associations of all District Courts to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of washrooms within the Lawyers’ Chamber Blocks. .The matter will be heard next on February 10..Advocates Smita Kumari Rajgarhia and Narendra Sharma appeared for the petitioner.Additional Standing Counsel (Civil) Sameer Vashisht appeared for Delhi Government.[Read order]
The Delhi High Court recently directed the State government and the Bar Associations in the national capital to ensure cleanliness and upkeep of washrooms in court premises [Smita Kumari Rajgarhia vs Government of NCT of Delhi]..The Court specifically directed the State and the Public Works Department (PWD) to commence construction and repair of those washrooms with respect to which tenders have already been awarded."The PWD, GNCTD shall forthwith commence construction and repair work for washrooms where tenders have already been awarded. For locations where tenders are pending, the process shall be expedited and brought to completion at the earliest. This work shall commence immediately upon the relaxation of the GRAP-IV regulating restrictions," the Court directed in its order of December 5, 2024. The Court passed directions on a petition concerning infrastructural inadequacies in female washrooms at Lawyers’ Chambers Block of Saket Court..In October 2024, the Court had appointed a Court Commissioner to assess the conditions of female washrooms across all District Courts in Delhi..When the matter was heard on December 5, Justice Sanjeev Narula noted that the Court Commissioner's report painted a “distressing picture” regarding sanitation and infrastructure of washrooms/ toilets in courts.“The negligence displayed in maintaining these facilities cannot be overlooked. The lack of hygiene products, poor maintenance, and infrastructural inadequacies demand immediate action,” the Court stated..The Court noted from the report that most female washrooms in the Lawyers’ Chamber Blocks lack adequate infrastructure, such as, proper lighting, ventilation, water supply and functional sanitary facilities.The Court also noted that maintenance and cleaning of the washrooms was not happening due to insufficient number of sanitation staff..In light of the above, it proceeded to direct the State to repair existing washrooms and construct new ones where tenders have already been awarded.The Chief Engineers of the PWD for each court complex were directed to coordinate with the respective Principal District and Sessions Judges to ensure uninterrupted water supply to all washrooms.The Principal District and Sessions Judges of all District Courts were directed to identify remedial measures from the Court Commissioner’s report and ensure its effective implementation..“While the petition specifically pertains to female washrooms, these directions shall apply equally to male, female and handicapped washrooms in District Courts, to ensure a uniform standard of hygiene and functionality,” the Court stated.The Court also directed the Bar Associations of all District Courts to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of washrooms within the Lawyers’ Chamber Blocks. .The matter will be heard next on February 10..Advocates Smita Kumari Rajgarhia and Narendra Sharma appeared for the petitioner.Additional Standing Counsel (Civil) Sameer Vashisht appeared for Delhi Government.[Read order]
