In a key ruling, the Kerala High Court has stated that toilets located within petrol pump premises are not intended for general public use. Justice C S Dias passed the interim order while hearing a plea from petroleum traders and several pump owners who objected to their toilets being classified as public facilities by the state and local authorities.
Toilets Meant For Customers, Not Everyone
The petitioners argued that the washrooms in their outlets are private and were set up to meet emergency needs of their own customers, not the broader public. They contended that being forced to open the facilities to everyone could lead to misuse, lack of maintenance, and increased operational challenges.
Court Bars Enforcement Of Public Access
Acknowledging the petitioners’ concerns, the court directed the state government and Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation not to compel petrol pump owners to provide unrestricted access to these toilets. The court maintained that the facilities are not categorised as public washrooms under current legal frameworks.
Final Hearing Scheduled For July 17
The High Court’s order is temporary and has scheduled a detailed hearing on the matter for July 17. Until then, authorities have been restrained from enforcing open public access to pump toilets. The case has triggered debate on balancing infrastructure expectations with the rights of private business owners.
