Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 16: In a landmark judgment aimed at upholding the health and dignity of women, the Karnataka high court has directed the state government to "strictly and faithfully" implement a policy providing one day of paid menstrual leave per month for women employees aged 18 to 52.

The court noted that while the state government had previously approved the concept of menstrual leave, several companies and organisations remained hesitant to grant it to their female staff. Consequently, the High Court has ordered that the policy be made mandatory and implemented effectively across all sectors.

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Inclusivity across sectors

The directive applies to all women employees working in registered organisations, including permanent, contract, and outsourced staff. The bench specified that this benefit should not be restricted to software firms or large corporations but must also reach women in the unorganised sector, including hotel workers and daily wage labourers. The government has been instructed to issue comprehensive guidelines to ensure wide-reaching coverage.

Constitutional significance

The bench, headed by Justice M Nagaprasanna, observed, "Menstrual health of women is an integral part of the ‘Right to Life’ under Article 21 of the Constitution. This is not just about a day off; it is a matter of a woman's dignity."

The court further urged the government to expedite the process of formalising the proposed 'Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, 2025' into a full-fledged law.

Origin of the verdict

The ruling came during the hearing of a petition filed by a hotel employee from Mudalagi in Belagavi district, who alleged that her employer had refused to grant her leave. Taking serious note of the grievance, the court issued these far-reaching directions to ensure legal protection for menstrual health rights in the workplace.