'Women won't be hired': SC rejects plea seeking mandatory paid menstrual leaves
PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking paid menstrual leave for women at all workplaces, saying that making such leaves compulsory by the law may end careers of women as their chances of getting hired would plunge significantly.
The court underscored that while addressing problems concerning menstrual health are pivotal, forcing employers to give mandatory leave every month may discourage them from hiring women.
The judges asked the Centre to look at the petitioner’s request and consider whether a policy on menstrual leave could be created after consulting different stakeholders.
The case, filed by Shailendra Mani Tripathi, was heard by a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi.
Tripathi asked the Supreme Court of India to direct the Government of India and state governments to create laws or policies recognising the health problems many women face during menstruation and to provide leave or other support.
The petition said that many women suffer from medical conditions such as Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids, Adenomyosis and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, as well as severe menstrual pain, which can make it difficult for them to work or attend classes during their periods.
The petitioner argued that the government should introduce policies that allow leave or other forms of support for working women and female students.
- PTC NEWS
