After high court push, Karnataka to fast-track period leave legislation across sectors

MANGALURU: Karnataka will push through with a bill on menstrual leave that will be applicable to all women employees in the state, including those in the private sector, following a high court ruling.On Wednesday, Karnataka high court had ordered strict implementation of the state's existing menstrual leave policy until the proposed legislation is enacted.Labour minister Santosh Lad said the govt "will implement the law as directed by the high court" by enforcing the Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, 2025.In Nov last year, Karnataka govt had granted a day's paid menstrual leave every month, capped at 12 days a year. However, the draft law on this wasn't tabled before the legislature since there were petitions pending before the high court. Once this bill becomes law, its enforceability will have legal standing, reducing the scope for further challenges and bringing all organisations — govt as well as private — within its ambit.Labour secretary Salma Fahim said: "It's a draft bill that has to be cleared by the Cabinet and the law department, before it is placed in the legislature."The move comes even as a plea by Bangalore Hotels' Association challenging the policy is pending before a single-judge bench of the high court.Wednesday's order by Justice M Nagaprasanna came on a petition by Chandravva Hanamant Gokavi, a 41-year-old hotel worker from Belagavi district. Represented by advocate Deeksha N Amruthesh, she cited the strain of manual work at workplaces during menstruation, seeking enforcement of the govt policy.While women govt employees welcomed the move, sections of the private sector, including Bangalore Hotels' Association, challenged its validity.Karnataka State Govt Women Employees' Association president Roshni Gowda said the court order brings clarity. "The court has recognised the physical and psychological impact of menstruation on women employees," she said. "A day's rest will help them return to work with renewed vigour."The high court cited Articles 162, 15(3) and 42 to enforce the policy, stressing dignity, health concerns and the need for "substantive equality", while urging wider coverage for the unorganised sector.