The ET GenAI Hackathon 2026 has announced the results of its Idea Submission phase, with the shortlist finalised after evaluating entries from more than 54,000 builders across India. Shortlisted teams now advance to the Prototype Development Phase
The fast-expanding war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has captured global attention largely because it is disrupting oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. Yet another resource is now emerging as far more critical to the survival of the region’s societies. Water
Indian technology stocks have seen an unprecedented rout over the past few weeks over fears of artificial intelligence upending the traditional outsourcing model that powers the country's $300bn (£223bn) back-office industry. The sell-off - part of a global correction in traditional software and
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday managed an easy victory in the biennial polls to five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, with its candidates including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin
Star Brazilian forward Neymar didn’t receive a call-up to the national team squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, although striker Endrick found a spot. With this snub, Neymar’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup have received a massive blow
If one wants to explore the many debates and controversies surrounding the Congress and its role in shaping India’s political trajectory, there may soon be a new address in the capital to turn to. At 3, Safdarjung Lane, the official residence of Nishikant Dubey — the Bharatiya Janata Party MP
Chelsea have been handed a Premier League record fine of £10.75m and a suspended transfer ban. It was a result of the club making secret payments to unregistered agents and third-parties over transfers between 2011 and 2018. But it could have been a lot worse
Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani on Monday penned a note to Muslim countries, questioning their lack of support for Tehran as the US-Israeli war is now entering its third week with no clear end in sight, disrupting global energy supplies and raising fears of a spike in global inflation
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: Karnataka Cabinet approves one day paid menstrual leave in government and private sectors Karnataka menstrual leave Karnataka HC stays government order on one-day paid menstrual leave CJI calls on HC collegiums to consider female lawyers of SC for judgeship SC alarmed as 'some lawyers using AI for drafting petitions' Mangione in court as lawyers seek to rule out notebook Lawyers in Pakistan's Lahore announce strike against constitutional amendment From dating scams to fake lawyers Standards of ethical values higher for lawyers seeking to contest bar polls Elon Musk's lawyers try to stop OpenAI obtaining bid documents from Meta
Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed strong displeasure over Dr. Asif Nazar being considered for the Lahorighat Assembly ticket, citing Nazar's alleged association with an individual charged in an attack on Bordoloi. Bordoloi wrote to AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh
5 hours ago
A sessions court in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Monday convicted five persons and acquitted 35 others in connection with a 2016 case in which seven Dalits were assaulted in the town of Una, The Indian Express reported. Additional Sessions Judge Jignesh Pandya of the court in Veraval
5 hours ago
It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. But it was perhaps a night to forget for Timothée Chalamet. As well as losing out to Michael B Jordan for best actor and One Battle After Another for best picture
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump on Monday said more than 30 mine laying ships of Iran have been destroyed which has affected Tehran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “We are hammering their capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz with more
5 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for March 17, 2026: A spontaneous moment could lead to a meaningful connectionLove Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:28 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Mars is pushing you to
5 hours ago
Dubai arrests Iranian drone strike survivors after they sent explosion photos to loved ones3 foreigner nationals who survived drone strike in Dubai have been arrested after sending photos of the explosions to family members. Updated on: Mar 16
5 hours ago
‘Firms need to move to adaptive, energy-efficient AI models’Sarah Hooker is convinced that the future lies in AI systems that use less computing power, cost less to run and can adapt to the needs of users. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 6:58 AM IST By Shweta Taneja Share via Copy link In the last
5 hours ago
Baghdad witnessed a significant drone and rocket attack on the U.S. embassy early Tuesday. This incident marks the most intense assault since the commencement of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Iraqi security forces have heightened their presence across the capital. The Green Zone
5 hours ago
Russell Wilson trade update: Chiefs hand a shock to Giants QB with Justin Fields move Published on: Mar 17, 2026 5:03 AM IST By Khushi Arora Share via Copy link New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) waves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5 hours ago
![London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/chelsea-fined-and-faces-supended-transfer-ban-by-premier-league.webp?height=520)
London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial Reporting and Third Party Investment.In 2022, Chelsea FC’s current owners voluntarily reported to the League that they had evidence of
5 hours ago
A Bengaluru-based cafe has drawn attention on social media after adding a 5 per cent “Gas Crisis Charge" to a customer’s lemonade order, sparking debate on social media platform X. The unusual fee, applied on a bill for two mint lemonades, has left many users amused and some questioning its
5 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Still using an older laptop? These Intel 13th Gen laptops show what modern performance feels likeIntel 13th Gen laptops bring improved performance
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. "We've requested that we delay it a month or so," he told reporters at the White House
5 hours ago
LDF ally ISJD, UDF ally RSP name candidates for four seats eachThe ISJD and RSP announced their candidates for Kerala Assembly polls, with ISJD's K Krishnankutty retiring from politics and RSP seeking assembly representation. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
5 hours ago
Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Operational strategies at work need refinementHoroscope Today: Read the astrological predictions for each zodiac sign based on an expert's guidance on March 17, 2026. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:19 AM IST By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
5 hours ago
Viswanathan Anand has defended Cyprus as the host of the upcoming FIDE Candidates Tournament, saying the island nation offers a high-quality setting for one of chess’ most important events despite concerns over regional tensions. Cyprus has been in focus due to its proximity to the evolving Gulf
5 hours ago
A parliamentary panel has flagged the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for surrendering nearly a quarter of funds sanctioned for Scheduled Caste welfare schemes. The committee found the ministry's inability to utilize allocated funds and its consistent budget scaling down at revised
5 hours ago
Fino Payments Bank clarifies the ongoing probe relates only to certain programme managers and merchants associated with multiple banks. Also Read :10 people dead after fire breaks out at Odisha’s Cuttack SCB Medical College; CM announces Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia assistanceFino Payments Bank clarifies
5 hours ago
When the daytime air feels like an oven and night brings no relief, people in Karachi, Pakistan, say the heat “goes straight to the head”. They mean more than dizziness or sweat. It’s the creeping panic of a body that cannot cool down: restless nights, frayed tempers, a household on edge
5 hours ago
Dozens of people are feared dead or injured at a drug treatment centre in Kabul, Afghanistan after an air strike that the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan. The hospital was hit on Monday evening, killing some people and injuring others, the government's spokesman said on X
5 hours ago
The report from Elara Capital said retail gasoline and diesel prices “could be fully protected through excise cuts until roughly $110/bbl, beyond which price hikes on diesel and gasoline would become inevitable”. Also Read :Fino Payments Bank Shares Fall To 52-Week Low Amid Probe Reports;
5 hours ago
Shocked Karan Johar reveals his 9-year-old son Yash's ‘business proposal’ as he wants to pay rent to him. WatchKaran Johar and his son Yash had a fun conversation as they discussed a business proposal. Watch their banter here. Mar 17, 2026, 06:00:58 IST By Ananya Das Share via Copy link
5 hours ago
Punjab Assembly session: House passes motion against LoP Bajwa over ‘band player’ remarkThe Punjab assembly condemned opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa for alleged derogatory remarks about a minister, leading to chaos and a walkout by Congress. Published on: Mar 17
5 hours ago
More than a thousand citizens in Ladakh's Leh and Kargil regions rallied on Monday, echoing calls for statehood and adherence to the Sixth Schedule. Leaders from the Apex Body Leh alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance expressed their discontent regarding the central government's stance
5 hours ago
Menstrual pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of being a woman. But when cramps become debilitating, interfere with daily life or are accompanied by chronic pelvic discomfort, they may signal something more serious. One such condition is endometriosis – a long-term disorder affecting
5 hours ago
Khushbu Sundar comes out in support of Trisha amid her viral pics with Vijay: ‘She is one of the most dignified women’Khushbu Sundar has addressed the online chatter surrounding the public appearance of Vijay and Trisha Krishnan, after the divorce petition filed by Sangeeta. Mar 17, 2026
5 hours ago
Rex Culpepper's fiancee pays sweet tribute after tragic bike accident death: ‘I don’t regret' Published on: Mar 17, 2026 4:55 AM IST By Yash Nitish Bajaj Share via Copy link Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper died after an accident on Saturday (Instagram/Rex Culpepper) Rex Culpepper
5 hours ago
