The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday halted the implementation of the state government’s notification that mandated one day of paid menstrual leave every month for working women.
A bench of Justice Jyoti M passed the interim stay while hearing petitions filed by the Bangalore Hotels’ Association and Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems. The petitioners argued that the government introduced the policy without consulting stakeholders who would be directly affected by it.
The notification, issued on November 9, provided that women employees aged between 18 and 52 years be granted one paid menstrual leave every month. The provision applied to workers in permanent, contractual, and outsourced roles across all industries and establishments registered under multiple labour laws, including:
- Factories Act, 1948
- Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961
- Plantation Workers Act, 1951
- Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966
- Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961
The petitioners contended that mandatory leave without consultation places operational and financial burdens on employers, particularly in sectors dependent on daily staffing needs.
Separately, on December 2, the Karnataka government had issued another order extending one-day monthly menstrual leave to female government employees with immediate effect.
The court’s stay applies to the wider notification concerning private and industrial establishments. The matter will now proceed further for detailed hearing.
