NewsFlash Daily™
16 April 
Karnataka High Court ordered the state government to strictly implement one paid menstrual leave day every month for eligible women employees across organised and unorganised sectors
Bengaluru: In a major development for women’s workplace rights, the Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to strictly enforce its menstrual leave policy granting one paid leave day every month to eligible women employees. The court said menstrual health and dignity are linked to the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The order is being seen as a significant step toward recognising women’s health needs in workplaces across Karnataka. The court also asked the government to ensure implementation not only in organised industries but also in the unorganised sector where many women work without formal protections.
Who Will Get the Benefit
As per the policy referred to in court proceedings, the benefit applies to women employees aged 18 to 52 years. It covers permanent, contract and outsourced workers in notified establishments. The High Court stressed that implementation must be effective and uniform.
The court further indicated that women in hotels, daily-wage jobs and other unorganised sectors should also not be left out of the benefit framework.
Court Calls It a Matter of Dignity
Justice M. Nagaprasanna observed that menstrual leave is not a privilege but a matter of dignity, fairness and humane treatment. The court said measures that protect menstrual health directly advance constitutional guarantees.
“The right to menstrual dignity forms a part of the right to life itself,” the court observed.
Government Asked to Move on Proposed Law
The High Court also referred to the proposed Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, 2025, and said the state should proceed without unnecessary delay in framing rules and giving legal shape to the policy.
