'Nobody Will Give Women Jobs': Supreme Court Denies Plea For Menstrual Leaves

Supreme Court of India Denies Plea for Menstrual Leaves: Recently, Menstrual leaves have become a hot topic of discussion in our country. The once taboo topic has now become the centre of conversation after a PIL was filed appealing for nationwide menstrual leaves for women students and employees. On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Supreme Court of India rejected this plea to bring this policy into effect. While the Supreme Court did not examine the issue in detail, it outlined several reasons for not implementing this policy. Let’s dive in to discover more about why the Supreme Court of India rejected the plea for menstrual leaves here!

Reasons Stated By Supreme Court For Denying Menstrual Leaves

The bench appointed on this case was led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and Justice Joymalya Bagchi stated that making menstrual leave compulsory could have unintended consequences for women working in several fields.

The Chief Justice of India spoke about rejecting the plea, saying, “Voluntarily given is excellent. The moment you make it compulsory in law, nobody will give them jobs,”. Another point which he mentioned was about how bringing menstrual leaves into implementation might make employers reluctant to hire women, as they will have to give additional paid leave.

ALSO READ- Karnataka Approves Menstrual Leaves: What Is The Period Leave Debate About?

States And Companies Which Offer Menstrual Leaves

As per several media reports, here is a list of all the Indian states and companies which offer menstrual leaves to their employees:

States Which Offer Menstrual Leaves

• Karnataka: Introduced in 2025, offering 12 days of paid leave per year (1 day/month) for women in both government and private sectors.

• Bihar: A long-standing policy since 1992, offering two days of paid leave per month to government employees.

• Odisha: Offers one-day paid menstrual leave for female government employees.

• Kerala: Provides menstrual leave for female students in universities and, in some cases, for staff in vocational training institutions. 

ALSO READ- Universities That Allow Menstrual Leaves For Female Students Will Include Punjab University Now

Companies Offering Menstrual Leave in India

• Zomato: Offers up to 10 days of paid, optional period leave per year.

• Swiggy: Provides a two-day, paid, optional, monthly, or yearly, menstrual break for women.

• L&T (Larsen & Toubro): Offers one day of paid leave per month.

• BYJU'S: Provides one day of paid, monthly, or yearly menstrual leave.

• iVIPANAN: A Surat-based company, providing 12 days of paid time annually (1 day/month).

• Cult.fit & Gozoop: Included in the early adopters of such policies.

• Orient Electric (CK Birla Group): Provides one-day leave.

• RPG Group (CEAT): Offers two days of paid leave per month

While the Supreme Court has denied the plea for menstrual leaves, we hope that someday, working women in India will get this healthcare right.

Image Credit: Freepik

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