India, May 25 -- The Supreme Court on Monday strongly emphasised that girls should not be forced to give up their education due to inadequate sanitation facilities or lack of access to sanitary napkins in schools.

Hearing matters related to menstrual hygiene and school infrastructure, the bench highlighted that basic facilities such as functional toilets and menstrual hygiene products are essential for ensuring equal access to education for adolescent girls.

The Court observed that many girls continue to drop out of school because of poor sanitation conditions, particularly the absence of separate and hygienic toilets and regular access to sanitary napkins. It stressed that such gaps directly impact attendance, dignity, and long-term ed...