Story perspectives

Supreme Court Rejects Menstrual Leave, Cites Employment Concerns

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

India's Supreme Court rejected a petition seeking a menstrual leave policy, saying it could harm women's employment prospects.
Chief Justice Surya Kant warned mandatory leave could discourage employers from hiring women.
The court noted that voluntary policies exist in states and private firms and warned that compulsory legislation could have negative consequences.
It directed authorities to review the petitioner's previous representations, underscoring the tension between welfare aims and gender-neutral hiring.

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Story summary

India's Supreme Court rejected a petition seeking a menstrual leave policy, saying it could harm women's employment prospects.
Chief Justice Surya Kant warned mandatory leave could discourage employers from hiring women.
The court noted that voluntary policies exist in states and private firms and warned that compulsory legislation could have negative consequences.
It directed authorities to review the petitioner's previous representations, underscoring the tension between welfare aims and gender-neutral hiring.