Maharashtra Class 10 student not allowed to use toilet during periods, notice issued

A Class 10 student in Maharashtra was denied permission to use the washroom during a board examination, forcing her to remain seated and continue writing the paper despite being on her menstrual cycle.

A Class 10 student in Maharashtra’s Nashik was allegedly forced to continue writing her board examination despite starting her menstrual period, raising concerns over the conduct at the examination centre.

The incident took place on March 13 at a board examination centre inside Abhinav Adarsh High School in Nashik.

The student was appearing for her Science-II paper when she began experiencing her menstrual period with about an hour left for the exam to end.

According to the complaint, the student requested permission to use the restroom. However, the female supervisor allegedly denied the request, citing examination rules that restrict students from leaving the hall before the paper concludes.

After the exam ended, the student approached a female staff member at the centre and asked for a sanitary napkin. The request was again declined, with the staff member stating that no sanitary pads were available.

The matter came to light after the Ubuntu Foundation filed a written complaint with the Nashik division of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. Following the complaint, the Board issued a show-cause notice to the examination centre, seeking an explanation from the authorities concerned.