Observing that access to hygienic public toilets is part of the right to life, the Delhi High Court has proposed surprise inspections of public toilets in areas under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), with teams of male and female social work students checking cleanliness, hygiene and structural condition. Civic officials could be held answerable for repeated lapses, the court said.

Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma were hearing a petition filed by Jan Seva Welfare Society concerning the maintenance, hygiene and availability of public toilets. “Apart from the obligations imposed under the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution , the right to access hygienic public toilets includes Right to Life,” the court said on October 16.

The proceedings have continued since 2023, with the court passing orders on improving and maintaining public toilets.…