New Delhi, 13 March (H.S.): The Supreme Court declined to hear a petition seeking nationwide menstrual leave for working women and female students, warning it could lead to widespread job discrimination.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that mandating such leaves risks employers shunning women from employment altogether.

The court told petitioner Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who had already approached the Ministry of Women and Child Development, that the government should consult stakeholders to formulate a policy.CJ Kant noted voluntary company policies are welcome, but legal enforcement might portray menstruation as a liability, prompting firms to avoid hiring women for government jobs, judiciary, or private roles—potentially derailing careers and confining them to homes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar