The Karnataka High Court has adjourned the hearing on the State’s menstrual leave policy for women employees, scheduling the final hearing for January 20, 2026. No interim stay has been issued, keeping the policy in effect for now.
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BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday adjourned till January 20, 2026, the hearing on petitions challenging the State government’s November 20 menstrual leave policy, which entitles women employees to one day of menstrual leave per month across various industries and establishments.
Justice Jyoti M said that the matter involves questions of public importance and therefore requires detailed consideration. No interim stay or restraining directions were issued regarding the implementation of the policy.
ALSO READ: Karnataka High Court Stays Paid Menstrual Leave for Women Employees
The new policy applies to all establishments registered under key labour legislations, including:
- Factories Act, 1948
- Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961
- Plantation Labour Act, 1951
- Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966
- Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961
The policy was framed after receiving 72 objections, according to the State.
The petitions have been filed by:
- Bangalore Hotels Association
- SASMOS HET Technologies
- Avirata Defence Systems Ltd
- Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems Ltd
- Fesil Aerospace Technologies Ltd
The petitioners argue that while the government has the authority to legislate on labour welfare, it cannot introduce substantive changes through an executive order without amending the existing statutes.
Appearing for the State, AG Shetty strongly defended the menstrual leave policy, calling it a progressive welfare measure introduced in line with global and national trends.
He emphasized that Karnataka has become the first State in India to implement such a policy directly.
“Ours is a progressive legislature. This policy ensures humane conditions of work for women. Throughout the world, similar provisions exist,”
he argued.
Representing the petitioners, advocate Prashanth BK clarified that the challenge is not against the government’s intention but against the method of implementation.
“We are not questioning the State’s legislative powers. What we are challenging is the imposition of such a major change through an executive fiat instead of following the legislative process,”
he submitted.
He also urged the Court to direct the State not to “precipitate the matter” until the next hearing.
The Court refused to grant any interim restraint on the implementation of the policy, noting that the subject requires careful judicial examination.
Justice Jyoti observed:
“Nothing will happen. It requires detailed consideration. It is a matter of public importance. We will fix one date.”
The matter is now scheduled for final hearing on January 20, 2026. Petitioners have been asked to examine the State’s objections and file their replies during the winter recess.
Earlier on Tuesday, the High Court had initially granted interim relief to the Bangalore Hotels Association by staying the policy after hearing preliminary arguments. However, within hours, the Court recalled the stay order after Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty appeared before the lunch break and sought reconsideration.
The Court then decided to hear the matter fully on Wednesday.
