The Karnataka High Court has withdrawn its own order against menstrual leave for women — mere hours after it stayed instructions passed by the state government. The decision was taken following the intervention of Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty who was not heard before the initial order. The Siddaramaiah government had greenlit one day of paid menstrual leave per month for women employees last month.
The petition was filed by Bangalore Hotels’ Association and Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems challenging the government order.
‘Unfair burden on employers’
The now-rescinded High Court decision came following a plea from the Bangalore Hotels Association. It argued that the state government lacked legal authority to impose such a rule and that it would place an unfair burden on employers. The petitioners also contended that the Karnataka administration did not consult them before making such provisions.
One paid leave per month
The menstrual leave was meant for women working in all industries and establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, Plantation Workers Act, 1951, Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966, and Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961.On December 2, the government had ordered the granting of one day of menstrual leave every month to female government employees of the state with immediate effect.