Women Being Charged For Using Urinals A 'Serious Matter': High Court Warns Shimla Municipal Corp & Sulabh Int'l Of Contempt Action

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has cautioned the Shimla Municipal Corporation and Sulabh International of contempt action over the allegations that women are being charged Rs. 5 for using the free-for-use urinals.

A bench of Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja observed thus while directing the SMC and Sulabh International to ensure strict compliance with orders passed by the Court regarding the free use of public toilets:

"It has been brought to our notice that despite the orders of this Court, as also undertaking furnished by the Sulabh International Social Service Organization that urinals are free for both ladies and gents, yet users of the ladies toilets are being fleeced and an amount of Rs. 5/- minimum is being charged from them. This indeed is a serious matter." 

The division bench passed this order while dealing with a suo moto Public Interest Litigation pertaining to the upkeep of public toilets in Himachal Pradesh's capital and establishing amenities along the Parwanoo-Shimla highway. 

The Court also directed the authorities to give wide publicity through print as well as electronic media, including the local cable network, to this effect. 

Regarding the issue of developing wayside amenities between Parwanoo and Shimla, the Court noted that the matter is pending consideration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

Therefore, the Court implead the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, through its Secretary, as a party respondent in the matter.

Further, noting that HPPWD Horticulture Wing has done a commendable job of beautifying the dumping site on the Highway, the Court directed to independently implead it as party respondent in the suo moto PIL.

The Court also recorded its appreciation for the commendable work done by the various state Officers in complying with the court's orders issued in the suo moto PIL.

The Court was also apprised of the proactive role of Dr Sujata Sirkeck Verma, Law Officer, and Dr Suresh C. Attri, chief scientific officer, Department of Environment Science and Technology, as the Department has mapped all 131 public convenience toilets in and around Shimla.

The matter will be heard next on July 3.