The Supreme Court directed the Union government to create a model policy on menstrual leaves for women employees after consulting with states and other relevant parties.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasized that this issue is a policy matter rather than one for the courts to decide, according to PTI.
The bench noted that mandatory menstrual leaves could be counterproductive, potentially discouraging companies from hiring women.
“How will the leave encourage more women to be part of the workforce?” the court asked the petitioner, expressing concern that mandatory leave might lead to women being excluded from the workforce, which is undesirable.
The court also allowed lawyers Rakesh Khanna and Shailendra Tripathi to approach the Ministry of Women and Child Development and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati for further action, as reported by PTI.
Supreme Court Directs to Formulate Menstrual Leave Policy
The Supreme Court on Monday instructed the central government to develop a model policy on menstrual leave for women employees, in consultation with states and other stakeholders.
A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, stated that this is a policy issue, not one for the courts to decide.
The bench also allowed lawyer Rakesh Khanna, representing the petitioner, and lawyer Shailendra Tripathi to approach the secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati.
“We request the secretary to address this matter at the policy level, consult all stakeholders, and determine if a model policy can be formulated,” the court ordered.
The court clarified that the Centre’s consultation process will not interfere with any steps taken by individual states regarding menstrual leave policies.
Also Read: ‘Menstruation not a handicap’: Smriti Irani Against Paid Period Leave for Women
Top Indian Companies Embrace Menstrual Leave Policies
Many companies in India are introducing menstrual leave policies to support their female employees. Here are some notable examples:
Zomato: This company offers up to 10 days of paid period leave each year to female and transgender employees. This helps to reduce the stigma around menstruation.
Physics Wallah: PW has a policy that allows female employees to take 1 menstrual leave, supporting their health and well-being.
Swiggy: Swiggy has recently started a similar policy to ensure a more inclusive work environment for all employees.
Magzter: This digital magazine platform provides paid period leave to its female employees.
Orient Electric: Orient Electric has introduced menstrual leave to help fight the stigma around periods and create a supportive workplace.
Culture Machine: This company allows female employees to take a day off on the first day of their period, recognizing the discomfort some may experience.
Gozoop Online Pvt Ltd: This digital media company offers paid leave on the first day of menstruation and also provides a work-from-home option.
iVIPANAN: A digital marketing company that gives female employees 12 days of period leave each year, supporting their health needs.
IndustryARC: This company allows women to take a day or two off during their period but requires them to make up for the missed time later.
Wet and Dry Personal Care: Provides two days off each month based on medical recommendations for female employees.
These policies are designed to create a more supportive and inclusive work environment for women, recognizing the importance of their health and well-being.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. What is menstrual leave?
Ans. Menstrual leave allows female employees to take time off work during their menstrual period, with pay.
Q.2. Why are companies implementing menstrual leave policies?
Ans. Companies introduce these policies to support women’s health, reduce stigma, and create inclusive workplaces.
Q.3. How many days of menstrual leave do companies like Zomato offer?
Ans. Zomato offers up to 10 days of paid period leave annually for female and transgender employees.
Q.4. What did the Supreme Court direct regarding menstrual leave policies?
Ans. The Supreme Court directed the Union government to create a model policy on menstrual leaves after consulting with states and stakeholders.
Q.5. Are menstrual leave policies mandatory in India?
Ans. Currently, menstrual leave policies are not mandatory nationwide but are being adopted voluntarily by some companies.
