The Supreme Court on Friday observed that the availability of basic infrastructure for women advocates within court premises bears a direct nexus with the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution, while hearing a petition highlighting the absence of ladies' bar rooms and other essential facilities in courts across the country.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana observed that when women advocates are required to spend substantial portions of their day within court premises, facilities necessary for their comfort, privacy, safety and professional functioning assume "utmost significance".

"The provision of such essential facilities prima facie bears a direct nexus with the fundamental guarantee of life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution," the bench observed in its order.

The Court noted that the issue goes beyond administrative convenience and touches upon constitutional values of dignity and equal participation in public life.

The observations came in a petition filed by women advocates seeking the creation of adequately equipped ladies' bar rooms in courts and financial support measures, including a stipend scheme, for newly enrolled lawyers.

To substantiate their grievance, the petitioners placed on record the results of a nationwide survey conducted through a structured questionnaire and supplemented by physical visits to court complexes. According to the material placed before the Court, information was collected from several District and Taluka Courts as well as various High Courts.

The Court recorded that the data revealed that in a majority of court complexes, either no dedicated ladies' bar room exists or the facilities provided are wholly inadequate, lacking essentials such as sufficient seating arrangements, clean washrooms, changing spaces, nursing facilities and other amenities necessary for the effective discharge of professional responsibilities.

"The legal profession has witnessed a steady and encouraging increase in the participation of women over the last few decades. However, the mere opening of doors alone cannot be a sufficient cause for celebration. In order for their participation to be made meaningful, it must be accompanied by the creation of conditions that enable women advocates to discharge their professional responsibilities effectively, safely, and on equal terms," the Court observed.

'Absence of ladies' bar rooms gives the impression that women aren't supposed to be in Courts'

At the hearing, Senior Advocate Dr Monika Gusai, for the petitioners, highlighted the lack of dedicated facilities for women advocates even in major urban centres.

"We have prepared a short PPT also. The actual position of the ladies bar rooms is pathetic. Especially within 50 km of this court," counsel submitted.

Referring to courts in Uttar Pradesh, counsel said, "Ghaziabad, prime city of UP, Greater Noida, it doesn't have ladies bar room. It's just like the feeling is we are not supposed to be there. We are not to be seen."

"In Ghaziabad, I heard that the women advocates are supposed to be there from 10 to 1 only. Once you send away your children to school and husband to the office come to the court. And by one o'clock, go back. We don't have any facilities, so we cannot stay back till 4 o'clock," she said.

Counsel also referred to stereotypes allegedly used to justify the absence of dedicated spaces, stating that women advocates are sometimes told that ladies' bar rooms are unnecessary because they would "start doing politics" there.

"In Rohtak, the ladies' bathroom has facilities but are insufficient. The spaces which are provided on the eve of bar elections become defunct once the elections are over. In Mathura, the ladies' bar room is locked," the counsel added.

The Chief Justice appreciated the effort undertaken by the petitioners in collecting and compiling data regarding infrastructure deficiencies.

"We would like to appreciate you for the amount of research and hard work in the way you have collected the data. We really admire that there are people who are really committed to the cause of the judicial system and for the legal fraternity," the CJI observed.

The CJI further said that he has constituted a committee to give suggestions to improve the judicial infrastructure across the country.

The bench also commended the women advocates who participated in the exercise, observing that "all the young girls who are party to all this collection of information have done a very remarkable job."

The bench also endorsed the proposal put forth by the petitioners for the creation of a dedicated fund to support young advocates at the beginning of their profession. The Court sought the views of the Attorney General for India and the Advocate Generals of the States on the issues raised by the petitioners.

Case : SARIKA TYAGI Vs UNION OF INDIA | W.P.(C) No. 770/2026