New Delhi, Jan. 31 -- The Supreme Court has ruled that the right to menstrual hygiene is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Apex court yesterday issued a series of binding directions to states and Union Territories and schools to ensure dignity, health and equality for girls and women.

A bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed all states and Union Territories to ensure that every school provides biodegradable sanitary napkins free of cost to adolescent girls. The bench observed that lack of basic facilities and stigma around menstruation directly affects girls' health, education and privacy. The court further ordered authorities to ensure that schools are equipped with functiona...