Karnataka Government and Women Lawyers Defend Menstrual Leave Policy Before High Court

The Karnataka government has defended its mandatory paid menstrual leave policy before the Karnataka High Court, asserting it has a scientific and objective basis.

Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty argued that women's long-term health must be prioritized over the financial concerns raised by employers.

Supporting the policy, the Bengaluru Women Lawyers Association and trade unions contended that menstruation-related symptoms like dysmenorrhea act as a unique physical challenge, making differential treatment non-discriminatory under the Constitution.

Conversely, a group of fifteen women professionals filed a petition opposing the mandate, fearing it could make employers reluctant to hire women in a competitive job market.

[Karnataka Employers Association v. Government of Karnataka]