Justice CS Dias clarified that anyone — not just customers — must be allowed to use the toilets, subject only to genuine safety considerations.
Published Aug 14, 2025 | 8:41 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 14, 2025 | 8:41 AM
Kerala High Court. (iStock)
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday, 14 August, modified its earlier interim order, directing all petroleum retail outlets along National Highways in the state to keep their washrooms open to the public round the clock, with display boards announcing their availability.
Justice CS Dias clarified that anyone — not just customers — must be allowed to use the toilets, subject only to genuine safety considerations. Access can be restricted by oil companies and dealers solely on security or safety grounds.
The order came while hearing a petition by the Petroleum Traders Welfare and Legal Service Society and others, challenging state and local body moves to convert fuel station toilets into public toilets. The court also barred municipalities from putting up boards labelling these facilities as “public toilets.”
The state government cited a 2020 Ministry of Road Transport and Highways guideline requiring fuel stations and similar facilities along National Highways to provide drinking water and toilet access round the clock.
Indian Oil Corporation informed the court that its marketing norms already allow toilet use for customers and transit travellers at all times, but opposed blanket classification as public toilets.
BPCL, HPCL, and the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas sought more time to file responses.
