Why is it in the news?
The Supreme Court raised concerns over making menstrual leave a mandatory legal right.
Category: Polity
Important Points:
● Supreme Court warned mandatory menstrual leave may cause workplace discrimination
● It may discourage hiring of women due to perceived cost burden
● Linked to Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity)
● Article 42 supports humane working conditions
● Article 15(3) allows special provisions for women
● No national law on menstrual leave in India
● Bihar provides 2 days leave for women employees
● Kerala provides menstrual leave for female students
● Countries like Japan, Spain and South Korea have such provisions