The Supreme Court of India recently declined to entertain a petition seeking mandatory menstrual leave for women students and employees across the country. During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked that making menstrual leave compulsory could negatively affect women’s employment opportunities.
The court observed that if such a law is made mandatory, many employers may hesitate to hire women due to concerns about productivity and workplace responsibilities.
Supreme Court Menstrual Leave Case
The Supreme Court of India recently declined to entertain a petition seeking mandatory menstrual leave for women students and employees across the country. During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked that making menstrual leave compulsory could negatively affect women’s employment opportunities.
The court observed that if such a law is made mandatory, many employers may hesitate to hire women due to concerns about productivity and workplace responsibilities.
Supreme Court on Mandatory Menstrual Leave
While discussing the plea, the bench said that awareness and voluntary policies supporting women’s health are welcome, but a compulsory legal mandate could have unintended consequences. According to the court, such a rule might create the perception that women are less capable or require special treatment in workplaces.
Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly warned that employers might avoid hiring women if they are legally required to provide menstrual leave.
