Toilets in new district court complex elicit criticism from lawyers and litigants

ANJALI YADAV/Dehradun 

Dehradun’s newly built district court complex is drawing criticism from advocates and litigants over the poor condition of toilets, with many alleging that basic sanitation in the modern facility is worse than in the old court premises. Lawyers practising at the court say the lack of regular cleaning and some toilets being locked has created unhygienic conditions, affecting both advocates and visitors. 

Criminal law advocate Sudarshana Chettri said the problem reflects systemic neglect. “A new court building has been constructed but the toilets are in a worse condition than in the old court premises. There is no fixed authority or staff for daily cleaning. Both male and female advocates are suffering and such unhygienic conditions can also lead to health problems,” she said.

Women advocates have flagged health and safety risks. Advocate Anchal Jaiswal said unsanitary toilets pose a particular challenge during emergencies. “For female advocates, filthy toilets are especially unsafe. During periods, using such unhygienic facilities can cause infections. As a government institution, the court must ensure basic hygiene,” she said. 

Advocate Sourav Chauhan said that access remains a major issue. “Most toilets remain locked and the open ones are filthy. There is no sanitation staff on site, so advocates are forced to manage during emergencies,” he said.

Litigants visiting the court also reported similar experiences. Rajani Kumar, who visited the court in connection with a challan, said that most facilities were inaccessible. “The toilet was very dirty and I had no option but to use it due to an emergency,” Kumar said.

 The complaints underscore concerns that while judicial infrastructure in Uttarakhand is expanding, basic facilities such as sanitation are being overlooked, affecting daily court functioning.