WP(PIL)/233/2017 of VINODH PALAMANGALAM Vs SECY., MIN. OF WOMEN & CHILD DEV., NEW DELHI & 11 ORS. on 30 June 2026

APHC010687342017

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI

WP(PIL) NO: 233 of 2017 Bench Sr.No:-7

Vinodh Palamangalam

...Petitioner Vs. The Union of India and others ...Respondents

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Advocate for Petitioner : Letter Advocate(s) for Respondent(s) : Mr T Niranjan (Deputy Solicitor General) for Union of India, Mr T. Vishnu Teja (Spl.GP) for the State, Mr Aravala Rama Rao (SC for APSRTC), Mr N Jeevan Kumar (SC for Airports Authority of India)

CORAM : THE CHIEF JUSTICE LISA GILL SRI JUSTICE CHALLA GUNARANJAN DATE : 1st July, 2026 LISA GILL, CJ:

This matter was taken up by way of public interest litigation on the basis of letter dated 19.08.2017 highlighting the need for space for feeding of infants by lactating mothers at public places.

2. Notice had been issued in this matter on 12.09.2017. Status reports thereafter were filed indicating the steps taken by respondents in this respect. Various orders were passed directing the authorities to ensure appropriate steps in this direction including modification of existing rules to ensure that provision for such space is provided in the buildings which are proposed to be constructed and already existing commercial spaces, shopping malls etc.

3. Affidavit dated 30.06.2026 of Secretary to Government, Department for Women, Children, Differently Abled and Senior Citizens (respondent No.12) has been filed wherein it is specifically stated that as many as 1075 breastfeeding centers/rooms are now in place. Details thereof are as under: Sl.No. Name of the District No.of Breast- feeding Centers

Allurisitharamaraju

Anakapalli

Ananthapuram

Annamayya

Bapatla

Chittoor

East Godavari

Eluru

Guntur

Kakinada

Konaseema

Krishna

Kurnool

Markapuram

Nandyala

Nellore

NTR

Palnadu

Parvathipuram Manyam

Polavaram

Prakasam

Sri Sathyasai

Srikakulam

Tirupathi

Vijayanagaram

Visakhapatnam

West Godavari

YSR Kadapa

Total

It is further stated that amendment has been carried out in A.P. Building Rules, 2017 by insertion of Rule 57(7)(k) which reads as under: “Baby Feeding Room/facility shall be provided in Shopping Malls, Public Buildings and Organizations/Establishments/ Institutions where more than 50 women are employed and also for visiting women.”

It is further stated that all concerned departments and district administrations in the State have been advised to strengthen these facilities and to identify additional locations requiring breastfeeding/feeding rooms so as to enable accessibility and coverage throughout the State.

4. We are of the considered opinion that the matter has been taken in all seriousness by the State and necessary measures have been put in place. We are sanguine that in future also necessary steps will be taken on a regular basis for maintenance of this facility as well as strengthening and expanding the same keeping in view the requirements of the public. Further continuation of proceedings at this stage is not required. Proceedings are thus closed. Writ Petition (PIL) is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Pending application(s) if any stand(s) disposed of accordingly.

LISA GILL, CJ

CHALLA GUNARANJAN, J

Vjl Whether the order is Speaking/Reasoned : Yes Whether the order is Reportable

: Yes / No