Shilpi Nama
On 18th June, 2025, the Kerala High Court has stated that toilets at petrol pumps are not intended for general public use. This observation was made by Justice C S Dias while issuing an interim order in a case filed by a group of petrol pump owners and a petroleum trader’s organization.
The petitioners challenged the actions of the State Government and local bodies, particularly the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, who had directed that petrol pump toilets be treated as public facilities accessible to everyone.
The petrol pump owners argued that these toilets are meant exclusively for customers, especially in emergencies, and not for the general public to use as regular public restrooms. They expressed concerns over hygiene, maintenance costs, and misuse, which they said would increase if the toilets were open to all. Accepting their reasoning, the High Court temporarily restrained the Government and the municipal body from enforcing such directives.
Justice Dias emphasized that it is not appropriate to compel petrol pump operators to provide public toilet services unless specifically designed and maintained for that purpose. The court’s interim order provides relief to pump owners, at least until the matter is heard in greater detail. The next hearing on this issue is scheduled for 17 July.
Case Name: Petroleum Traders Welfare and Legal Service Society & ors v State of Kerala & ors
Case Number: WP(C) 9329/2025
Bench: Justice C S Dias
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