Delhi HC notice to Centre on improving public amenities for lactating mothers

The Delhi High Court has today issued notice to all civil authorities in Delhi as well as the Centre, in a petition seeking better facilities for lactating mothers, at public places..The bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Neha Rastogi, who is a practicing advocate, and her son Avyaan Rastogi..The petition puts forward the problems faced by young mothers in breastfeeding while traveling, to light. It is stated that one of the foremost causes of anxiety for lactating mothers traveling with their infants is the awkwardness caused by having to feed them under the gaze of strangers..The unpredictable nature of babies and the fact that one cannot proactively prepare for all contingencies that may arise while feeding a baby in public has been emphasised..The cultural stigma attached to bearing ones’ breasts in public in India and the discomfort caused to the infant who is all covered up while feeding has also been mentioned in the petition, which states that the lack of facilities at public places is infringing on people’s right to life, privacy, and dignity..After hearing the petitioner, the bench also directed all agencies and the Centre to file an action taken reports within four weeks..The matter will be heard next on August 28, 2018.