High Court stays government’s order mandating one-day monthly menstrual leave for women employees

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, December 9, 2025: The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday stayed the State government’s November 20 notification mandating various establishments to grant one-day additional leave every month for women employees aged between 18 and 52, during their menstrual cycle.

Justice Jyoti M passed this interim order while hearing petitions filed by Bangalore Hotels’ Association and Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems Ltd, Bengaluru.

The petitioners had challenged the notification contending that there is no provision to grant leave during menstrual cycle. The notification issued by the State government is not supported by any legislative enactment, the petitioners submitted.

The notification had directed the employers to provide 12 paid leaves a year to all women employees aged 18 to 52 in establishments coming under Factories Act, 1948; Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961; Plantation Workers Act, 1951; Beedi, Cigar Workers (Condition of Employment) Act, 1966; and Motor Vehicle Workers Act, 1961. Women do not have to submit any medical certificate while availing of the menstrual leave, the order stated.