The Supreme Court on Monday expressed its dissatisfaction regarding the handling of the issue concerning the lack of toilet facilities for women lawyers in the Nilgiris court complex in Ooty, Tamil Nadu.
A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha conveyed their deep concern over the publicity given to this matter in the media and the negative impact it had on the reputation of the High Court due to the conflicts between different factions of the Bar.
“Madras High Court was displayed in poor light but I am not happy with the way this matter was pursued before the media. We are deeply disconcerted by how this matter has been pursued by the party. The High was portrayed in a bad light in a fight between two rival segments and HC said It had made arrangement,” the CJI stated.
The Court also took into account the report submitted by the Registrar General of the Madras High Court, which confirmed that a designated area had been allocated for use as a bar room and for toilet facilities.
“In view of report, it is not necessary to pursue this further. Disposed of. There are two rooms given, plus washrooms. The bar room is also available to them. You cannot use this to settle your grievance.”
During the hearing, the Court took note of the concern raised by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) regarding the reporting that gave the impression of a lack of toilet facilities.
The CJI emphasized the importance of accurate reporting, stating, “Anything that deals with judiciary bothers us… and the Registrar now informs us that there are above 81 toilets.
The Women Lawyers Association of Nilgiris (WLAN), the petitioners in the case, informed the Supreme Court that their grievance regarding the lack of a toilet for women in the new combined court complex in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, has been addressed.
The Court was hearing the plea filed by the WLAN, alleging the absence of a toilet facility for women in the new court complex and the sealing of the previously allocated rooms and toilet for women lawyers.
On June 9, the Top court sought a detailed report from the Registrar General of the Madras High Court regarding the toilet facilities provided to women lawyers at the court complex.
The Apex Court took note of the matter following a report by Bar & Bench, highlighting the plight of women lawyers who had been fighting for a toilet in the court complex for nearly three decades.
The Nilgiris District Bar Association (NDBA) opposed the plea by the women lawyers and sought to be impleaded in the case, contending that the allegations were inaccurate. Subsequently, after the first hearing before the Supreme Court, the concerned District Judge allocated two rooms and a toilet exclusively for the use of women lawyers.
During the hearing, the bench initially expressed its inclination to appoint a committee to assess the court complex and verify the truth behind the allegations.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) suggested appointing a team of two women lawyers from the Supreme Court to visit the court complex and submit a report. If the report confirmed the presence of toilets, the Women Lawyers Association of Nilgiris (WLAN) would face a penalty of 10 lakhs.
The advocate representing WLAN expressed no objection to the formation of the committee.
The bench was informed that there was no toilet facility. However, the court ultimately disposed of the plea based on the report submitted by the High Court Registrar, which stated that certain areas had been designated as toilets.
