About 17 women employees have approached the Karnataka High Court challenging a state order that grants menstrual leave to women workers, NDTV reported.
The petitioners, from different companies, have argued that the policy goes against equality. They said that it could harm job opportunities for women. According to the petitioners, making such leave compulsory may lead employers to view women as less capable than men, affecting hiring decisions.
The plea seeks cancellation of the order. It is listed before a bench led by Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde at the Karnataka High Court. The bench is also hearing earlier challenges by an employers' association against the notification, the report added.
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The plea challenges the Nov. 20, 2025 government order, which granted one-day paid menstrual leave per month for women workers. In their plea before the Karnataka High Court, they argued that while the intent may seem benevolent, the policy is ultimately harmful and counterproductive to women's empowerment and gender equality.
“It is a step backward that threatens to undo decades of progress made in integrating women into the workforce as equal participants,” they stated.
According to the petitioners, work places can foster true gender equality by creating an all inclusive environment. They emphasised on tackling issues such as addressing systemic barriers and providing universal support for health and well-being, rather than creating gender-based distinctions.
The plea contended that this order by the Karnataka government order singles out women for a specific biological function and mandates leave. According to them, this could inadvertently label women as less productive or more prone to absenteeism.
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In November, the Congress-led Karnataka state government had approved paid menstrual leave for women working in various sectors, including garments and Information Technology. The order directed employers to provide 12 days of paid leave annually (one day per month) during menstruation for all permanent, contract or outsourced female employees aged 18 to 52.
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