Menstrual equity is now a reality in India
In January 2026, India’s Supreme Court ruled that the right to menstrual health falls within the right to life as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
With International Women’s Day having been marked last weekend by women lawyers, the decision merits a closer look to assess its possible global impact, not least given UN Women’s theme of ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls’.
The Supreme Court of India ruled that the right to menstrual health is included within the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The judges commented that “access to safe, effective and affordable menstrual hygiene management measures helps a girl child attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health”.
Hausfeld lawyers Ingrid Gubbay and Cara Nicholson examine the recent Indian appellate litigation on the right to menstrual health for Global Legal Post.
