HC seeks Centre, civic bodies' reply over lack of baby feeding rooms

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Centre, Delhi government, and civic bodies seeking a reply over lack of feeding room and child care centres at public places.

The court has sought the action report in this regard within four weeks.

A bench of acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and C. Hari Shankar asked the Central Government and other authorities to take action in this regard.

The court issued the notice while hearing a Public interest Litigation (PIL) filed by 9-month-old Avyaan through his mother Neha Rastogi and advocate Animesh Rastogi seeking court's intervention in providing adequate facilities to lactating mothers and infants in the country

The petition stated that the government is not providing adequate facilities to the lactating mothers and infants in India.

"Women's Right to Privacy is hampered due to lack of breastfeeding facilities at public places. Women are harassed and mocked by public at large," the petitioner said.

"Breastfeeding in public has become a debatable issue when mothers find it difficult to manage nursing during travelling. Breastfeeding in public is still a state of awkwardness among many young moms," he added.

The court will hear the matter next on August 28.