The Karnataka High Court has ruled that a woman's menstrual health is intrinsically linked to her right to life under Article 21, directing the State government to strictly implement its menstrual leave policy.
The policy, which mandates one day of leave per month for women employees aged 18 to 52, is intended to be enforced until a new law on menstrual leave is enacted.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna emphasized that the State must frame appropriate rules to give the law a full and meaningful effect, and that administrative difficulties cannot dilute the State's obligation to ensure the benefit reaches all eligible workers.
The Court also noted that menstrual health is linked to dignity, equality, and humane working conditions, and that policies recognizing menstrual leave reflect a constitutional commitment to substantive equality for women in the workplace.
