High Court in Delhi requests reply from DMRC regarding petition for dispensers of sanitary napkins in metro stations
The Delhi High Court has taken notice of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the installation of sanitary pad vending machines in Delhi Metro stations. The notice was issued on August 13, 2025, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been directed to file a detailed response within two weeks [1][2][3].
The PIL, filed by advocate Nikhil Goyal, brings attention to the inadequacy and non-functionality of sanitary pad vending machines in metro station toilets. This situation, the plea argues, negatively impacts the health, dignity, and fundamental rights of women commuters. The PIL calls for the immediate installation and operation of sanitary pad vending machines and disposal facilities in all women’s toilets across Delhi Metro stations [1][2][3][4].
The PIL also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive menstrual hygiene policy for public transport and a grievance redressal mechanism. In court, the bench, comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, expressed displeasure that the DMRC counsel lacked instructions about how many stations had functional sanitary vending machines. According to the petition, out of 286 metro stations, only 14 have vending machines, and of those, only 6-7 are functional [2][3].
The Court’s notice reflects an intent to ensure accountability and monitor progress toward fulfilling constitutional obligations regarding menstrual hygiene. The current status of the PIL is that the DMRC and other respondents are required to respond formally, and further hearings are set for September 24, 2025 [1][2][3].
The Delhi Metro, a rapid transit system serving India's capital city, Delhi, is managed by the DMRC. This article is a premium one, requiring a subscription to access.
[1] News18.com. (2025). Delhi High Court Issues Notice to DMRC on Plea Seeking Installation of Sanitary Pad Vending Machines in Metro Stations. [online] Available at: https://www.news18.com/news/india/delhi-high-court-issues-notice-to-dmrc-on-plea-seeking-installation-of-sanitary-pad-vending-machines-in-metro-stations-7703946.html
[2] The Indian Express. (2025). Delhi HC Issues Notice to DMRC on Plea Seeking Installation of Sanitary Pad Vending Machines in Metro Stations. [online] Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-hc-issues-notice-to-dmrc-on-plea-seeking-installation-of-sanitary-pad-vending-machines-in-metro-stations-8568717/
[3] The Times of India. (2025). Delhi High Court Issues Notice to DMRC on Plea Seeking Installation of Sanitary Pad Vending Machines in Metro Stations. [online] Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-hc-issues-notice-to-dmrc-on-plea-seeking-installation-of-sanitary-pad-vending-machines-in-metro-stations/articleshow/90847298.cms
[4] The Hindu. (2025). Delhi HC Issues Notice to DMRC on Plea Seeking Installation of Sanitary Pad Vending Machines in Metro Stations. [online] Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-hc-issues-notice-to-dmrc-on-plea-seeking-installation-of-sanitary-pad-vending-machines-in-metro-stations/article38962100.ece
- The PIL has proposed a comprehensive policy that includes not just the installation of sanitary pad vending machines, but also a focus on menstrual hygiene in health-and-wellness discussions, emphasizing its importance for women's health and fitness-and-exercise routines.
- The ongoing PIL in the Delhi High Court, adding to the discourse on health-and-wellness issues, has brought attention to the need for a comprehensive menstrual hygiene policy not only in women's health arenas but also in the realm of public transport, ensuring a holistic approach to women's health and wellness.
