SC refuses to entertain plea seeking mandatory menstrual leave policy

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a plea seeking mandatory menstrual leave for working women and female students across the country, observing that such a matter falls within the domain of government policy.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi remarked that pleas seeking compulsory menstrual leave may inadvertently create a perception that women are weak and could adversely impact their employment prospects.

Noting that the petitioner had already submitted a representation before the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, the CJI Kant-led Bench said the government may consider framing an appropriate policy after consulting all stakeholders.

Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocate M.R. Shamshad submitted that certain state governments and organisations have already taken steps in this direction. He highlighted that Kerala has allowed such relaxation in schools and that several private companies have voluntarily introduced menstrual leave policies.