Court directs designation of exclusive toilets on first and second floors for female staff and female Persons With Disabilities with separate arrangements for male PWD, ensuring inclusive and gender-specific facilities.
In a recent judgment dated August 31, 2026, the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Mini Pushkarna, addressed the issue of exclusive toilet facilities for female faculty members and female Persons With Disabilities (PWD) in university buildings. The case arose from a contempt petition filed by Prof. Sujata Ashwarya against Prof. Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi and others, highlighting the lack of designated and exclusive toilet facilities for female staff and female PWD.
During the proceedings, counsel for the respondents submitted a formal undertaking that in every building, the first floor shall have a toilet exclusively designated for female staff members. This statement was duly noted by the Court. However, the petitioner's counsel pointed out that on the second floor, although a toilet was designated for female faculty and PWD, it was being used by both male and female individuals, defeating the purpose of exclusivity.
Responding to this, the respondents' counsel, upon instructions, assured the Court that the toilet on the second floor would be designated exclusively for female faculty members and female PWD. Moreover, the respondents committed to making separate arrangements for male PWD to ensure inclusivity and avoid any inconvenience. The Court granted liberty to the respondents to implement these arrangements and directed that the exclusive facility for female faculty members be made available within one week.
Justice Pushkarna emphasized that the designated female toilets should be accessible to all female faculty members without any restrictions. Specifically, no individual shall be permitted to lock or restrict access to these facilities, ensuring equal and unrestricted use.
The Court disposed of the contempt petition after recording the statements and directions, underscoring the importance of gender-specific and inclusive amenities within institutional premises. This judgment highlights the judiciary's proactive role in promoting dignity, privacy, and inclusiveness for women and differently-abled persons in educational institutions.
Bottom Line:
Designation of exclusive toilets for female faculty members, including female Persons With Disabilities (PWD), on specific floors of buildings, with separate arrangements for male PWD, is mandatory to ensure gender-specific and inclusive facilities.
Statutory provision(s):
Contempt Petition.
Prof Sujata Ashwarya v. Prof Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2974585
