Mothers rights upheld: Supreme Court calls for public breastfeeding facilities

NEW DELHI: Recognising breastfeeding as a fundamental right of mothers, the Supreme Court has issued a directive to state governments to provide dedicated facilities for breastfeeding in public places and workplaces.

The court emphasised the need to construct feeding rooms, baby care facilities, and other similar provisions that ensure privacy for mothers. It is the responsibility of state governments to create an environment where mothers feel supported and comfortable breastfeeding their babies.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court called for citizens to adopt a respectful attitude toward mothers breastfeeding in public spaces or workplaces. To strengthen these efforts, the central government has been asked to draft guidelines within two weeks and circulate them to state governments for implementation.

A bench led by Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Prasanna B. Varale underscored this decision while addressing a public interest litigation filed by the Avyaan Foundation. The judgement, dated February 19, was made publicly accessible yesterday.