High Court directs separate washrooms for women at Gadwal Court

A division bench of the Telangana High Court directed the State to provide separate washrooms for women advocates, litigants and staff at the existing court premises in Jogulamba Gadwal until the long delayed Integrated District Court Complex is built. 

The bench emphasized that access to justice formed an important facet of the right to life. The bench comprising Acting Chief Justice P. Sam Koshy and Justice Suddala Chalapathi Rao was hearing a public interest litigation filed by K. Shafiulla, an advocate practising at Jogulamba Gadwal and former General Secretary of the Gadwal Bar Association. The petitioner complained of inaction in commencing construction of the court complex. Counsel for the petitioner contended that the Government sanctioned 10 acres in Pudur village and handed over possession to the Judicial Department the same year. 

It was argued that administrative sanction of Rs.81 crore was accorded in November 2024 for a court complex including a Family Court and POCSO Court, a revised sanction of Rs.99.28 crore was sought, and the work was entrusted to M/s KMV Projects Ltd. with a completion period of 24 months. 

Though the site was reported ready for laying the foundation stone in June 2026, the work did not commence, while the existing premises lacked basic facilities, particularly separate washrooms for women. 

The bench observed that adequate court buildings were not merely a facility for advocates and staff but essential for ensuring access to justice for litigants and the public. Noting that construction involved several administrative and technical procedures, the bench declined to fix a date for laying the foundation stone or completing the project but expected the authorities to commence and complete the work at the earliest. 

The bench directed the Principal Secretary, Revenue Department, to ensure basic amenities including separate washrooms at the existing court premises pending completion of the new complex. 

- L Ravichander