High Court reschedules hearing on menstrual leave after government requests fresh consideration

Hotel Association’s petition against menstrual leave in private sector heard; government argues its side was not presented before interim ruling.

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday deferred its decision on the State’s menstrual leave policy after the government sought another opportunity to present its arguments. The matter, which saw significant attention earlier in the day, will now be heard again tomorrow, with the court expected to deliver a clearer direction thereafter.

The issue came before the court after the Bengaluru Hotel Owners’ Association challenged the government’s order making menstrual leave mandatory for women staff across private establishments. Represented by advocate Prashanth B.K., the Association argued that extending the rule to the private sector was impractical and would create operational difficulties for industries with high workforce turnover.

Also Read:Karnataka High Court stays government’s order on new monthly menstrual leave policy

Earlier, the High Court had heard the Hotel Association’s arguments and issued a stay on the government order. Following the submissions, the court briefly moved towards granting relief. However, government counsel urgently approached the judge, stating that the State’s position had not been heard at all.

The government argued that any interim order without its representation would be unfair, especially since the menstrual leave notification applied to government, contract, outsourced and private employees across Karnataka.

Due to this request, the court decided to withhold any stay and posted the matter for continued hearing on Wednesday. Officials confirmed that no stay has been granted on the menstrual leave order as of now.

Also Read:PRR landowners warn HUDCO: ‘Stop funding Bengaluru Business Corridor until legal issues are settled’

Speaking to NewsFirst, P.C. Rao, President of the Hotel Owners’ Association, expressed relief that the court had considered their concerns during the initial arguments. Rao said the industry was not against supporting women employees but insisted that mandatory implementation in private units may not be feasible.

The State had recently announced paid menstrual leave for all categories of women employees, permanent, contract and outsourced, stating it was necessary to support women’s health and dignity in the workplace.

The High Court’s final stand will depend on tomorrow’s extended hearing, where both sides are set to present complete arguments.

Also Read:Bengaluru set for coldest December in 9 years as temperatures dip sharply