Shimla – The Himachal Pradesh High Court issued a stern directive..
regarding the unlawful fees being charged from women for using public toilets in Shimla, emphasizing it as a violation of human rights and the court’s prior orders.
A division bench headed by Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja addressed the ongoing issue where women are still being charged Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 to use public urinals.
The court highlighted a recent report from Dainik Jagran, which detailed how ladies' toilets at locations such as Mall Road, Rani Jhansi Park, and Lower Bazar continue to impose these fees.
This comes despite clear instructions from the court to provide free access.
In a stern warning, the court hinted at possible contempt proceedings if the situation isn't remedied promptly.
Already, actions have been taken against certain individuals, including the termination of one toilet in-charge at Victory Tunnel and a show cause notice to another near Police Post Sanjauli.
The court also addressed the poor state of public toilets at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.
Special Secretary (Health) and the Medical Superintendent were directed to take immediate action to improve conditions, with a status report required in two weeks.
The high court expressed appreciation for the media’s role in publicizing the issue, urging continued vigilance.
The case will be revisited on 19 July 2024.