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Keralam Human Rights Panel Directs Western-Style Toilets for Public Washrooms
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News18•01-10-2026, 12:00
Keralam Human Rights Panel Directs Western-Style Toilets for Public Washrooms
- •The Keralam Human Rights Commission has directed authorities to replace Indian-style toilets with Western-style closets in public washrooms to enhance accessibility for senior citizens and people with mobility limitations.
- •The panel also mandated the installation of grab bars on both sides of toilets and the operationalization of non-functional public toilets.
- •Commission judicial member K Baijunath issued the directive to the Chief Secretary, who is to instruct the Local Self-Government Department and other concerned departments.
- •Authorities have three weeks to submit an action taken report, with the case to be reviewed on October 23.
- •The commission emphasized that clean, safe, functional, and user-friendly public toilets are essential for the right to live with dignity, noting difficulties posed by traditional Indian-style toilets for various groups.
Key Questions Answered
The Keralam human rights panel directed authorities to replace Indian-style toilets with Western-style closets, install grab bars on both sides, and make non-functional public restrooms operational to improve accessibility for senior citizens and people with mobility limitations.
The human rights commission took up the matter based on a complaint filed by Prof Varghese Mathew.
The case will be considered at a sitting scheduled to be held on October 23, and authorities have been asked to submit an action-taken report within three weeks.