Jai Raj Bhati
The conditions of the washrooms in the District and Session Court lack decencies to even be used, the lack of amenities, infrastructural problems, sanitation and shortage of water supply, with many more problems seen in women’s washrooms.
The problem was addressed in the matter of Smita Kumari Rajgarhia v. Govt. (NCT Of Delhi); the Court taking measures appointed a Court Commissioner named Ms. Nathrani, a lady lawyer, to make a report about the concerned matter in October 2024. She submitted the full report on December 4, 2024, and it was picturizing the real situation that was disturbing.
The single judge bench of the High Court comprising, Justice Sanjeev Narula taking her report into account noted that the situation needed an immediate action as there was no adequate infrastructure, ventilation problem, no proper lighting, open wires, no sanitation amenities, water shortage, sanitary napkins and no regular cleaning or concerns for maintenance was seen because of depressed numbers of cleaning staff.
The Saket and Karkardooma Courts were seen in the worst conditions as they were in the most unhygienic and deprived of facilities. Especially the women’s washrooms, and it was shameful and dignity hurting to someone who regularly attends court.
The Court noted that the negligence was inexcusable, and the conditions needed to change rapidly and dictated the Public Workings Department (PWD) to repair and build new infrastructure with regular water supply to every washroom in the premises of the Courts with direction to maintain hygiene to uniform standards not only of female but also of male and especially disabled.
The Principal Judges were directed to supervise and review the report that had been submitted by the Court Commissioner, identify remedial measures and ensure swift implementation. Chief engineers of PWD were directed to work coordinatingly with the Judges to ensure the improvement.
Case Name :- Smita Kumari Rajgarhia v. Govt. (NCT Of Delhi)
Case Number :- W.P. (C) 14517 of 2024
Bench :- Justice Sanjeev Narula