Chinese tech giant Huawei said on Monday it had developed a new way of making semiconductors that could get around its U.S.-enforced lack of access to the most advanced chipmaking equipment. Huawei has in recent years been at the centre of a geopolitical standoff after Washington warned its
World Tarot Day 2026: The most misunderstood tarot cards and what they actually meanPeople tarot as entertainment or fear it because of the dramatic social media readings. But tarot was never meant to work through fear; it is a symbolic tool. Updated on: May 25
From mirrors to mood lighting, these 5 budget-friendly decor tricks can make small homes look surprisingly luxuriousWant to upgrade your home into a luxurious space? Here are some budget-friendly decor ideas you can consider for a beautiful home. Published on: May 25
A Bahraini court sentenced nine defendants to life in prison and two others to three years in jail for collaborating with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to carry out what it described as “hostile and terrorist acts” against Bahrain
Tarot vs Astrology: Which one can predict your future better? An expert breaks it downAstrology explains cosmic timing and patterns. Tarot explains your emotional experience of those patterns. One gives you the map, the other acts like a mirror. Updated on: May 25
Lawyers, activists divided after SC declines plea on menstrual leave policy
Lawyers, activists divided after SC declines plea on menstrual leave policy
New Delhi, Mar 14 (PTI) Lawyers and activists have expressed varied views after the Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a plea seeking a nationwide menstrual leave policy, with some backing voluntary provisions while others stressing stronger legal safeguards to protect women’s health and dignity.
The apex court on Friday refused to entertain the PIL, observing that no one would give them jobs in such a scenario and that such a provision would unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes.
Talking to PTI, senior advocate Karuna Nundy said a limited provision, such as one paid day of menstrual leave, could be a practical starting point.
“The range of menstrual pain, from common cramps to endometriosis, is suffered by women regardless of whether they are studying or working. So the policies should address the woman’s health challenge and the variable context," she said.
“One paid day of menstrual leave, to be taken as required, would be a good start. It’s like maternity leave, if you don’t have a baby, don’t take the leave, but you shouldn’t have to pretend to be a pain-free hero when you have a cycle that literally allows the human race to perpetuate itself," Nundy added.
Activist Yogita Bhayana criticised the concerns that menstrual leave could reduce women’s employment opportunities.
“This is very stupid of them to think like that. Women already deal with biological realities like pregnancy and childcare. If you deny them opportunities because of that, you should rather guide or dictate to corporates not to hamper jobs," Bhayana told PTI.
Bhayana said many women face severe pain during menstruation and should be given the option to take leave.
“There are women who suffer severe pain and cannot focus on work. Even if they report to the office, productivity is very low that day. A voluntary option for leave should definitely be given," she said.
She also said such provisions should extend to students.
“Students also go through the same pain. Sometimes, even sitting in class becomes difficult, and you cannot focus on your studies. So a voluntary option should be available for them as well," she said.
Bhayana added that governments should encourage voluntary policies even if courts have stepped back from the issue.
“Governments should take a stand and encourage voluntary policies. If the court has declined, state governments should come forward and make it happen. Women are not asking for it for fun, it is a practical issue," she said.
Bhayana said providing a voluntary option for leave would be a practical solution.
“There are some women who don’t get pain and they don’t need leave. Let it be voluntary. But denying everyone the option is wrong," Bhayana said.
Ranjana Kumari, an activist, said the issue largely falls within the domain of state governments.
“This comes in the area of the state. That may be the reason the Supreme Court is not willing to talk about industrial policy. Every state needs to legislate it or make an executive order so that women who are very unwell during menstruation can take leave. This is a very important aspect of women’s lives," she said.
Kumari said menstrual leave should be available but not mandatory for every woman.
“I am for menstruation leave, but voluntarily. You cannot say that every woman must take three days’ leave every month. Many women may not need it. It should be available when a woman is facing pain or complications." She said workplaces should not deny such requests.
“There should be a clear norm that if a woman asks for leave because of menstrual pain, the institution should not be allowed to say no. If they refuse, there should be a penalty against them," Kumari told PTI.
However, Kumari cautioned that policies must also consider the impact on women’s employment opportunities.
“We must protect the dignity and health of women while also ensuring they do not lose employment opportunities. Otherwise, institutions may say women work only a few days a month but are paid for the whole month," she added.
Advocate Sunita Sharma supported the Supreme Court’s concerns, saying mandatory menstrual leave could unintentionally affect women’s employment prospects.
“I think that is right, because why should women show that we are weak as compared to men, that we can’t manage those three to four days?" she said.
Sunita said menstrual cycles are a personal matter and should not become a public workplace issue.
“In the Indian scenario, this is a very personal thing pertaining to your body. Why should the whole world know that you are having this time and you can’t come to the office because of that?" Sunita told PTI.
Sunita said women generally learn to manage menstrual discomfort with time and such leave could be misused.
“By the age everybody learns to cope with this. Of course, there are physical problems, but it is not so severe that you can’t come to the office. At times, the leave may also be misused if someone wants to go somewhere and says she cannot come to the office because of this," she said.
According to her, if a woman faces health issues during menstruation, she should be able to take leave under existing provisions.
“If someone is not feeling well, she can take leave under sick leave, but there should not be a separate category called menstrual leave," she said.
Seema Singh, a law professor at the University of Delhi, said the issue has several social and economic dimensions.
“This is a very sensitive issue, and there are several dimensions. It is not something which is related only to menstrual hygiene or the right to health of a menstruating woman, but there are several associated issues also," Singh told PTI.
She said mandatory provisions without broader societal acceptance could affect women’s employment prospects.
“Even if the Supreme Court makes it mandatory, in the private sector, employers may think their productivity will suffer and they may avoid hiring women. So who is going to suffer then?" Singh said.
She said sensitisation of society was essential before implementing legal provisions.
“Everything cannot be implemented through law. Sensitisation is very important. Until we create sensitivity in people’s minds that during those days a woman may need rest, it will be difficult to implement such policies effectively," she said.
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. PTI KSH APL APL
Source: News18
Related Posts: The wide, varied, wonderful world of sport King expressed Factbox-Groups that have bid for TikTok or expressed interest Pakistan’s PTI presses ahead with protests on February 8 amid mourning after Islamabad blast PTI Seeks Permission To Meet Imran Khan In Jail Pakistan court sentences 4 PTI leaders for 10 years in connection with May 9 riots Imran Khan’s PTI launches major protests as curfew hits Islamabad Surendra Pal asks Mukesh Khanna to rethink views on Ranveer Singh as Shaktimaan Sachin Tendulkar Views 2025 ODI WC As Watershed Moment For Women's Cricket Emma Watson says she still loves JK Rowling despite rift over trans views
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has postponed the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET-UG) 2026 examinations scheduled for May 28 in both shifts following a change in the Bakrid holiday date. The agency said revised examination dates for the affected candidates will be announced
1 days ago
President Nikos Christodoulides present, Cyprus positions itself as Europe gateway for HT Labs, other Indian AI firmsRepresenting HT Labs, the innovation and technology arm of HT Media Group, Avinash Mudaliar, Co-Founder and CEO, participated in discussions. Updated on: May 25
1 days ago
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has moved the High Court against the Union government’s order directing it to hand over its 27.3-acre premises by June 5, Live Law reported on Monday. The matter was mentioned before Justice Avneesh Jhingan on Monday by advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi
1 days ago
Strains of the old "Glory, Glory" anthem echoed inside the giant stadium as Tottenham Hotspur stepped back from the precipice of the most humiliating relegation in Premier League history. Spurs players and supporters were in unison at last as they could finally look forward to next season as a
1 days ago
Australian cricketer Megan Schutt will conclude her international career after the 2026 T20 World Cup. The seasoned bowler aims for a strong finish in her final major ICC campaign. Schutt, a veteran of many successful tournaments, wants to pass the baton to the next generation of players
1 days ago
The Japanese fruit ‘sando’ is becoming India’s favourite summer dessert; take a look With fluffy milk bread, clouds of whipped cream, and jewel-like slices of fresh fruit tucked inside, the Japanese sando has become India’s go-to dessert Updated on: May 25
1 days ago
Madhuri Dixit serves ‘a little bit of drama’ as she gives classic white saree a modern twist with chic jacketMadhuri Dixit proves age is just a number as she stuns in ivory saree with floral prints, layered with a sleek jacket, blending elegance with modern drama. Published on: May 25
1 days ago
Stolen Baby: The Murder of Heidi Broussard: Where is slain mom's family now? What to know as crime drama streamsThe release of Stolen Baby: The Murder of Heidi Broussard on Netflix has brought the 2019 murder case in focus again. Know where the slain mom's family is. May 25, 2026
1 days ago
Crude oil prices plunge after US and Iran have shared significant signals on the progress in talks to end the war, however both sides are still at loggerheads on certain issues. Global oil prices have plunged over 5.5% after US and Iran have indicated that there is significant progress in their
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.From office work to AI tasks: The best Asus ExpertBook P3 and Snapdragon PCs to consider in 2026AI laptops are everywhere in 2026, but only a few actually improve daily work
1 days ago
LeBron James has spent more than two decades rewriting NBA history. On Sunday, though, one of his most remarkable streaks finally came to an end. For the first time since his rookie season in 2003-04, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was not named to an All-NBA team
1 days ago
Priyadarshan on Paresh Rawal's exit from Hera Pheri 3: ‘Not aware’Hera Pheri 3 faces turbulence as Paresh Rawal reportedly leaves the film, returning his signing fee. May 25, 2026, 13:38:45 IST Written by Vibha Maru Share via Copy link The controversy around Hera Pheri 3 doesn’t seem to end
1 days ago
BJD Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray has resigned from the party. He cited systematic belittlement as the reason for his departure. This follows similar exits by other Rajya Sabha MPs. Samantaray expressed gratitude to party chief Naveen Patnaik for past opportunities
1 days ago
Prashant Kishor to finally contest an election himself? Jan Suraaj Party targets Bankipur, via an ashramKishor is bullish on Bankipur, and claimed that only the Jan Suraaj Party can defeat the BJP there. "We just need to field a strong candidate," he said. Updated on: May 25
1 days ago
It’s been almost five months since Ranveer Singh’s exit from Don 3 sparked controversy. Now, as the dispute between Farhan Akhtar and the actor continues, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has finally intervened, announcing that its decision on the matter will be revealed
1 days ago
Even George Russell’s biggest critics would probably admit one thing right now: the Briton’s luck this season has been brutal. And standing beside his stricken Mercedes in Montreal on Sunday night, Russell looked completely drained by it all. After opening the season with victory in Shanghai
1 days ago
Turn a classic, creamy tiramisu into a refreshing summer treat by swapping coffee for juicy mango and layering it with fresh fruit and light mascarpone cream. This mango‑infused version keeps the dessert’s rich, custard‑like texture but adds a bright
1 days ago
As Cannes Film Festival closes, which are the acclaimed films from this year's crop that could be heading for Academy Award nominations? If you want to know which films are going to be nominated for Oscars, it's worth looking at what premiered at the Cannes Film Festival the previous May
1 days ago
Delhi Capitals' IPL journey concluded with a sixth-place finish. Coach Hemang Badani cited inconsistent play and missed opportunities as reasons for the team's failure to reach the playoffs. Crucial losses, dropped catches, and batting collapses hampered their campaign
1 days ago
3 elephant calves die within 17 days in Chhattisgarh’s DharamjaigarhEight elephant calves have died in Dharamjaigarh forest division over the past five months due to drowning, getting trapped in marshland, etc Published on: May 25, 2026 1:27 PM IST By Ritesh Mishra Share via Copy link Three
1 days ago
The Canadian Grand Prix was the race in which the Formula 1 title battle finally came alive this year. It was also, however, the race in which it took a potentially decisive turn, putting a huge dent in George Russell's hopes of beating his 19-year-old Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli to the
1 days ago
CBSE Class 12 answer sheet scanned copies application window ends today, direct link hereCBSE Class 12 answer sheet scanned copies application window will close today, May 25, 2026. The direct link to apply is given here. Published on: May 25
1 days ago
Microsoft techie couple in Noida breaks down ₹1.6 lakh monthly expenses, says city feels balanced despite rising costsA Microsoft couple in Noida revealed they spent around ₹1.6 lakh monthly while balancing work, lifestyle and family needs. Published on: May 25
1 days ago
A CBSE Class 12 student has raised serious concerns over the board’s re-evaluation process after claiming the Physics answer sheet uploaded under his roll number does not belong to him. The student shared comparisons of multiple answer sheets and demanded an urgent investigation into the alleged
1 days ago
Thyroid disorder cases have been gradually rising over the past few years, especially in younger adults and the younger working generations. Even though genes and autoimmune disorders play a role, the way we live our lives is becoming a reason for thyroid problems. We speak to Dr Aravind Badiger
1 days ago
Sandhu finishes T-63, Sterne wins after gap of 13 yearsSandhu finishes T-63, Sterne wins after gap of 13 years Published on: May 25, 2026 1:47 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Rinkven , Indian golfer Yuvraj Sandhu endured a difficult final day to finish T-63 at the Soudal Open here
1 days ago
Cardiologist reveals the real cause of heart attacks that most people overlook and it’s not just ‘bad cholesterol’Could your gut health be affecting your heart? A cardiologist explains how inflammation, poor sleep, stress, and unhealthy habits may raise heart attack risk. Published on: May 25
1 days ago
