The Supreme Court on October 26, directed State governments and High Courts to ensure exclusive bar rooms, washrooms and other basic amenities for women advocates practising in district, sub-divisional and taluka courts, irrespective of their numbers. In Sarika Tyagi v. Union of India, the Bench emphasised that a shortage of funds or land cannot justify non-compliance with its directions.
Background
The proceedings arise from a public interest litigation highlighting inadequate infrastructure for women advocates in court complexes across the country. The petition raised concerns over the absence of dedicated bar rooms and proper washroom facilities, affecting women lawyers practising at the grassroots level.
The Court has been monitoring compliance with its earlier directions requiring States and Union Territories to address these infrastructure gaps.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana stressed that providing these facilities is an obligation, not an option.
CJI Surya Kant expressed strong disapproval of court complexes lacking dedicated spaces for women advocates, observing:
"This is the mandate. We do not want to deviate from that. It has to be complied with, whether additional funds or additional land are required. Whatever is required must be done."
During the hearing, the Court was informed that only 21 of the 69 respondents had submitted status reports. The petitioners also highlighted gaps in the facilities reported by certain States and court complexes.
The Bench reiterated that the absence of existing infrastructure cannot be accepted as a justification for failing to provide it.
The Supreme Court directed State governments to allocate the necessary funds and ensure that exclusive women's bar rooms, washrooms and other basic amenities are provided wherever women advocates practise. High Court infrastructure committees were asked to prioritise these facilities in district and taluka courts.
The Court appointed Attorney General R. Venkataramani to coordinate compliance and compile progress reports from States, High Courts and Union Territories. It also emphasised that facilities should preferably follow a uniform pattern across States.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 2, 2026.
