New Delhi: (Rajeev Sharma): The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Union Government, the Haryana administration, and multiple officials to respond to a petition demanding an investigation into shocking claims that women sanitation workers at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, were asked to provide photographic evidence of menstruation to justify their absence from duty.
A Bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan, expressing dismay over the allegations, remarked that the incident pointed to a deeply troubling attitude toward women in the workplace. “If someone was unable to do heavy work, another person could have been assigned. This sort of conduct shows the mindset involved,” Justice Nagarathna observed, adding that the court hoped the case would lead to meaningful corrective measures. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 15.
The petition was moved by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), whose president, senior advocate Vikas Singh, said the episode amounted to a criminal violation of dignity and demanded the court’s urgent intervention. Singh also indicated he would propose measures to ensure that similar practices are prevented nationwide. “This is a subject many hesitate to address, but the issue is too serious to be ignored,” he told the Bench.
State Confirms Initial Action
Representing Haryana, government counsel informed the court that a preliminary inquiry had been launched and that disciplinary action had already been taken against two staff members as well as the Assistant Registrar who oversaw the department concerned. The alleged incident occurred on October 26, just before a scheduled visit by Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh to the university campus.
According to a complaint submitted by three sanitation workers, two male supervisors allegedly compelled them to continue working despite their reporting that they were unwell, and later demanded “proof” that they were menstruating. The workers claim the supervisors cited orders from the Assistant Registrar. Police have since filed an FIR under provisions relating to sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and assault, and the university has suspended both supervisors pending an internal inquiry.
Petition Flags Wider Pattern of Abuse
The SCBA’s plea highlights what it describes as a broader pattern of “period shaming” across institutions, referring to recent media reports documenting intrusive checks on menstruating women in schools, hostels, and government offices. The petition argues that such practices violate Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to dignity, privacy and bodily integrity.
“Women, particularly those in unorganised sectors, must be afforded working conditions that recognise biological realities rather than subjecting them to humiliating treatment when they experience menstrual pain or discomfort,” the petition states. It also cites the Supreme Court’s observations in the RG Kar Medical College rape-and-murder case, which underscored the importance of safe workplaces in ensuring equal opportunity.
Calling the alleged MDU incident part of a “rampant violation” of women’s fundamental rights, the SCBA has urged the court to lay down national guidelines to protect female workers from invasive practices linked to menstruation.
