‘These pleas are made to call women inferior’: SC on nationwide menstrual leave policy, says nobody will hire them

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to hear a PIL requesting a nationwide policy granting menstrual leave to women students and workers, noting that such a rule could discourage employers from hiring women and might inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes, as reported by PTI.

The top court, however, said the competent authority may consider the representation and examine the possibility of framing a policy on menstrual leave after consulting all relevant stakeholders.

The PIL was accordingly disposed of with the direction to the authorities to take an appropriate decision on the representation.

"These pleas are made to create fear, to call women inferior, that menstruation is something bad happening to them..this is an affirmative right...but think about the employer who needs to give paid leave," a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said.

"Creating awareness and sensitisation is different... but the moment you bring in a law mandating menstrual leave, nobody will hire them (women)," the Chief Justice made the remarks while hearing a petition filed by lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, which sought directions for states to formulate rules on menstrual leave, as reported by NDTV.

NDTV reported that the Chief Justice further warned the petitioner, "You don't know the mindset of employers. They will not hire women if we make such a law."

(This is a breaking news; check back later for updates)

(With inputs from agencies)