Menstrual Leave Plea Rejected in SC: Rights Denied or Protected?

Menstrual Leave Petition Rejected by Supreme Court: Women’s Rights and Workplace Equality denied or safeguarded?

The Supreme Court of India recently rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide policy for mandatory menstrual leave for women employees and students. The petition had asked the court to direct the government to implement a uniform policy recognizing menstrual leave as a health and dignity issue for women.

However, the Court declined to entertain the plea.The judges noted that employers might become reluctant to hire women if they are legally required to provide additional leave every month.

What do you think?

Should menstrual leave be a legal right, or should it remain a voluntary policy decided by organisations?

Menstruation ke liye leave ki zaroorat hai kya? 🤔

Mujhey aisa nahin lagta .

Honestly, this topic is something for which I am on both sides.

I am someone who has really bad stomach aches, I can't go out on 1st two days from my bed. So for me, these leaves would be a great help.

But at the same time

India is a country where jobs are already scarce; on top of that, women are discriminated against in workplaces.

By giving them extra offs, as said by the Court, women will be avoided even more, already pregnancy ke time issues hote hain, and they get discriminated against whether they are married/unmarried, have kids or not.

So even if I want off just so that I rest on period cramps, it is not feasible, as having job options is more of a priority.

Cramps during that period varies from person person.

Some ladies suffer a lot and some never had any cramps.

Is it worth making a policy based on something which is not a common issue?

As others said, if it costs extra money, the employers will also try to avoid hiring women for jobs.

Cheers..

Originally posted by: PunnyPotato

Honestly, this topic is something for which I am on both sides.

I am someone who has really bad stomach aches, I can't go out on 1st two days from my bed. So for me, these leaves would be a great help.

But at the same time

India is a country where jobs are already scarce; on top of that, women are discriminated against in workplaces.

By giving them extra offs, as said by the Court, women will be avoided even more, already pregnancy ke time issues hote hain, and they get discriminated against whether they are married/unmarried, have kids or not.

So even if I want off just so that I rest on period cramps, it is not feasible, as having job options is more of a priority.

I think, a more balanced approach could be considered. Instead of mandating three days of leave every month for all women, organisations could provide a few additional leave days.....maybe five or six more than the standard allotment given to men....and allow women to use them whenever necessary. This would offer flexibility and support without creating a rigid monthly structure, somewhat similar in spirit to how maternity-related provisions acknowledge biological realities while maintaining workplace balance.