Karnataka High Court Halts Menstrual Leave Policy for Working Women

The Karnataka High Court has temporarily halted the state government's policy of granting one day of menstrual leave per month for working women. This decision comes after a petition from Bangalore Hotels' Association and Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems, who argued they were not consulted before the policy implementation.

The Karnataka High Court has issued a stay order against a state government notification mandating one day of menstrual leave every month for working women in the state. The November 9 notification originally allowed for a paid day off for women aged 18 to 52, whether employed permanently, contractually, or outsourced.

This stay follows a petition by the Bangalore Hotels' Association and Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems, who argued that the government did not consult relevant stakeholders prior to implementing the policy. Justice Jyoti M granted the stay during a hearing on the matter.

The menstrual leave initiative was designed to cover female employees across various industries, including those governed by the Factories Act, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, and other related labor laws. Despite the stay on implementation, as of December 2, the government declared menstrual leave effective for female government employees.

(With inputs from agencies.)