Bengaluru, March 14 (NationPress) Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad stated on Saturday that making four to five days of menstrual leave a legal requirement may not be practically achievable, aligning with concerns raised recently by the Supreme Court regarding this matter.

In his remarks, Lad acknowledged the Supreme Court's observations on menstrual leave for women employees and students. He noted that the court indicated that legislating for four to five days of menstrual leave could present practical difficulties.

The minister expressed his approval of the court's recognition of the Karnataka government's policy, which allows for one day of paid menstrual leave each month for women employees in both government and private sectors.

Lad explained that the state government rolled out the Karnataka Menstrual Cycle Policy 2025 after extensive consultations with experts, employers, business leaders, healthcare professionals, and senior officials. He mentioned that the government thoroughly assessed the benefits and challenges prior to the policy's implementation.

Addressing the court's remark that a nationwide menstrual leave law could diminish employment prospects for women and potentially stigmatize young women, Lad emphasized that the topic requires extensive dialogue among stakeholders and government bodies.

He advocated for gathering insights from all parties involved before creating any nationwide menstrual leave framework to ensure it serves the best interests of women across the country.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has rejected a public interest litigation that sought to mandate four to five days of menstrual leave throughout the nation.

On the social media platform X, Minister Santosh Lad further commented, “The Honourable Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation asking for a law that would provide four to five days of #menstrualleave nationwide.

“It is also encouraging that the Court has acknowledged Karnataka’s forward-thinking menstrual leave policy, providing one day of paid leave each month for women in both government and private sectors.”

“In developing the ‘Karnataka Menstrual Leave Policy 2025’, we engaged in thorough consultations with experts, employers, doctors, industrialists, and other stakeholders to create a balanced, practical, and women-friendly policy. We carefully weighed the interests of both employees and employers, reflecting our inclusive approach,” he stated.

If a suitable policy is developed at the national level after comprehensive consultations, while prioritizing the interests and dignity of women, it would undoubtedly be welcomed, Minister Lad concluded.