Guwahati, Oct. 18 -- The Supreme Court has warned that it may initiate contempt proceedings against chief secretaries of states and Union Territories that fail to report steps taken to implement its judgment recognising menstrual health and hygiene as part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan expressed displeasure on October 13 over the failure of states and Union Territories to respond to the Centre's request for information on the implementation of the verdict.

"If what we have said in the judgment is only going to remain on paper, how are the Union and states/UTs going to give effect to this fundamental right?" the Bench asked.

Additional Solicitor...