The Sikkim High Court implemented a menstrual leave policy for its female employees. To avail of this leave, a recommendation from the High Court medical officer is required. This policy aims to address the health and comfort of women employees during their menstrual cycle.
Sikkim: The Sikkim High Court implemented a new policy allowing menstrual leave for female employees in its Registry. According to the announcement made on May 27, it has been stipulated that obtaining a recommendation from the High Court‘s medical officer, a prerequisite for taking advantage of this leave.
A notification, ratified by Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder on May 27, 2024, grants women staff members 2-3 days of menstrual leave monthly.
The notification remarked,
“As per the notification, female employees within the High Court Registry are now eligible for menstrual leave lasting 2-3 days per month. However, they must first seek approval from the High Court’s Medical Officer before taking such leave,”
Women employees’ leave balance shall remain unaffected when they avail menstrual leave, it further emphasized.
Menstrual leave, often referred to as period leave, is a type of leave where women can take time off from work during their menstrual cycle if they experience symptoms that inhibit their ability to perform work effectively. This concept not entirely new and has been implemented in various forms in countries like Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Zambia. However, it remains a relatively rare and sometimes controversial practice in many parts of the world, including India.
The decision by the Sikkim High Court to implement such a policy pioneering within the Indian judicial context. It recognizes the often-taboo subject of menstruation and addresses it with a formal policy aimed at reducing the stigma and providing support to female employees.
The policy grants female employees of the Sikkim High Court the right to take a specified number of days off per month if they are experiencing discomfort due to menstruation.
This move based on the understanding that menstruation can cause various symptoms, such as abdominal cramps, headaches, nausea, and fatigue, which can severely impact a woman’s productivity and comfort at work.
This initiative not only promotes gender sensitivity within the judiciary but also sets a precedent for other institutions to follow. The policy includes provisions for paid leave during menstruation, reflecting an understanding of the importance of mental and physical health in achieving professional efficiency. The move is part of broader efforts to enhance workplace equality and support women’s rights, making the Sikkim High Court a leading example of progressive employment practices in India’s judicial system.