Karnataka High Court Directs State to Implement Menstrual Leave Policy in Organised and Unorganised Sectors

The Karnataka High Court directed the State government to ensure the uniform implementation of its menstrual leave policy across all sectors.

The Court held that providing one day of paid leave per month to women employees is an assertion of dignity and fairness rather than a matter of privilege.

Emphasizing that acknowledging biological differences gives substantive meaning to the right to equality under Article 14 and advances the right to life.

Holding that the State must ensure these benefits reach vulnerable workers in the unorganised sector, pending the formal enactment of a related Bill currently before the legislature.

[Chandravva Hanamant Gokavi v. State of Karnataka]