New Delhi, October 26 (TNA) The Supreme Court on Monday directed all state governments and High Courts to provide separate bar rooms, washrooms and basic amenities for women advocates in district, sub-divisional and taluka courts wherever they practise.
The court said the facilities must be provided irrespective of the number of women lawyers practising at a particular court. The directive was issued in the matter of Sarika Tyagi v. Union of India.
Facilities to Be Provided
The court directed that women’s bar rooms should be exclusive, adequately sized and equipped with functional washrooms and other essential facilities. The availability of such infrastructure cannot be made dependent on the strength of women advocates at a court, the court said.
States will be required to provide the necessary land and funds for the construction and maintenance of the facilities. High Court infrastructure committees have been asked to treat the implementation of the directions as a priority.
Uniform Standards
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the directions were mandatory and made it clear that the court would not dilute or withdraw them. The court also emphasised that facilities should follow, as far as possible, a uniform pattern across the country.
The directions underline the importance of safe and dignified working conditions for women lawyers, who often spend long hours on court premises. The Supreme Court has previously linked access to basic court infrastructure with the constitutional guarantee of life and dignity under Article 21.
Attorney General to Monitor Compliance
The court appointed Attorney General R. Venkataramani as the nodal authority for coordinating implementation. He will collect progress reports from the states and Union Territories and help coordinate compliance with the court’s directions.
High Courts and state governments are expected to place details of the steps taken before the Supreme Court. The matter will next be heard on December 2, when the court is likely to review the compliance reports.