Karnataka High Court Halts State’s One-Day Monthly Menstrual Leave Policy for Women Employees

The Karnataka High Court has stayed the State’s notification mandating one paid menstrual leave per month for all women employees across industries. 

The Bangalore Hotels Association argued that the government issued the mandate without legal authority and that existing labour laws already cover leave provisions. 

The Court observed that the notification lacked clarity on the power under which it was issued and observed that such policies should be left to individual employers. 

The State may seek modification of the interim order as proceedings continue.