In a landmark ruling, India's highest judiciary, the Supreme Court, Wednesday ordered the central and state governments to ensure that within six months all schools across the country have basic infrastructure like drinking water and toilets.

"All schools will have to implement the order within six months and failure to implement will be viewed seriously," the apex court said, adding that the central and state governments should take steps to provide the basic facilities to school children.

The court's order came in the wake of a petition filed by Environmental and Consumer Protection Foundation, a non-government organization.

The Supreme Court also asked the NGO to move court for action against faulting schools.

According to the court, not providing the infrastructure is a violation of the right to free and compulsory education of children guaranteed under Article 21 A of the Indian Constitution.