In a significant ruling on June 18, 2025, the Kerala High Court issued an interim order stating that toilets at private petrol pumps are exclusively for customers and cannot be used as public facilities.
This decision, delivered by Justice C.S. Dias, addresses concerns raised by petrol pump owners regarding safety, property rights, and operational disruptions caused by unrestricted public access. For
residents and travelers in Kerala, this verdict reshapes access to sanitation facilities at fuel stations. Here’s everything you need to know about the ruling and its implications.

Background of the Case

The case originated from a writ petition filed by the Petroleum Traders Welfare and Legal Service Society, along with five petroleum retailers, challenging the state government and local bodies, including the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. The petitioners opposed efforts to designate privately maintained toilets at petrol pumps as public facilities under the Swachh Bharat Mission’s urban sanitation guidelines. They argued that these toilets were intended solely for customers refueling their vehicles in emergency situations.

The petitioners highlighted several issues:

Safety Risks: Petrol pumps are high-risk zones due to flammable materials, and unrestricted public access could endanger operations. Operational Disruptions: Large crowds, including tourist bus passengers, demanding toilet access disrupted regular functioning and led to altercations. Property Rights: The toilets, built and maintained at the retailers’ expense, are private property protected under Article 300A of the
Indian Constitution.

The court’s interim order restrains the state government and local authorities from compelling petrol pump owners to open their toilets to the general public until further hearings, scheduled for July 17,
2025.

Key Points of the Kerala High Court Ruling

Customer-Only Access: Toilets at private petrol pumps are designated for customers refueling their vehicles, particularly in emergencies, and not for unrestricted public use. Safety and Property Concerns: The court acknowledged the petitioners’
concerns about safety hazards and property rights violations caused by public access. Swachh Bharat Mission Clarification: The ruling clarifies that private facilities cannot be forcibly converted into public toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission without legal backing. Interim Relief: The order is temporary, with the matter set for further consideration, allowing both sides to present additional
arguments.

Implications for the Public

This ruling has sparked debate about public sanitation access in Kerala, where urban areas often lack adequate public toilets. For the general public, the decision means:

Restricted Access: Non-customers, including pedestrians and travelers not purchasing fuel, will be denied access to petrol pump toilets. Increased Demand for Public Toilets: Local bodies may face pressure to
build and maintain more public restrooms to meet urban sanitation
needs. Potential Inconvenience: Tourists and commuters relying on petrol pump facilities may need to seek alternative options, especially in areas with limited infrastructure.

For petrol pump owners, the verdict offers relief by protecting their private property and reducing operational challenges. However, it also raises questions about balancing private rights with public welfare.

Public Sanitation in Kerala: The Bigger Picture

The Kerala High Court’s decision comes at a time when urban sanitation remains a critical issue across India. The Swachh Bharat Mission has pushed for improved access to public toilets, but implementation
challenges persist. In Kerala, high-footfall areas like bus stations, markets, and tourist spots often lack sufficient facilities, leading to reliance on private establishments like petrol pumps.

A recent report by The Hindu highlighted the inadequacy of public toilets in Bengaluru, with similar concerns echoed in Kerala’s urban centers. The Kochi Corporation Council, on June 18, 2025, discussed a
“Resto Cafe” project to set up toilets alongside cafeterias, indicating efforts to address the gap. However, until such initiatives scale up, the public may face challenges finding accessible restrooms.

What’s Next?

The Kerala High Court has adjourned the case to July 17, 2025, for further hearings. The Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation has been directed to produce relevant Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines to justify their actions. The final verdict will likely set a precedent for how private facilities are regulated under public sanitation policies nationwide.

In the meantime, petrol pump owners are expected to enforce customer-only policies, potentially leading to stricter monitoring of toilet access. For the public, this underscores the need for advocacy
to improve urban sanitation infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Kerala High Court’s interim order prioritizing customer-only access to petrol pump toilets reflects a balance between private property rights and public safety concerns. While it provides relief
to petrol pump owners, it highlights the urgent need for more public toilets in Kerala’s urban areas. As the case progresses, stakeholders will watch closely to see how the court navigates this complex issue.

Stay updated with Masala Mirror for the latest news on this developing story and other key issues impacting daily life in India.

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Sources: The Hindu, Times of India, LiveLaw, Business Standard

Keywords: Kerala High Court, petrol pump toilets, public sanitation,
Swachh Bharat Mission, customer-only toilets, Kerala news, urban
sanitation

Published: June 19, 2025 | Masala Mirror