The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, December 9, stayed the Congress-led government’s notification mandating a one-day menstrual leave per month for working women. The Supreme Court also asked the state government to respond to the one-day menstrual leave for women.
The November 9 notice established one day of paid menstrual leave per month for female employees between the ages of 18 and 52. The rule was to apply to every woman working in permanent, contract and outsourced jobs.
On December 2, the government ordered, with immediate effect, to grant female civil servants one day of menstrual leave every month.
The notification covered all industries and establishments in the state registered under the Factories Act, 1948; Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961; the Plantation Labor Act, 1951; Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966; and the Motor Transport Workers Act 1961.
The stay was granted by Justice Jyoti M on a petition filed by Bangalore Hotels’ Association and Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems. The petitioners alleged that the Karnataka government did not consult them before making such provisions.
“This notification does not even state under what authority the government issued it,” the petition said.
The Karnataka High Court also added that the state government could seek modification of this order if necessary as it had stayed it. “There will be an interim order as sought. Government to file statement of objections. Liberty to seek modification of order,” the Bar and Bench said.
