Sikkim High Court has paved the way for period positivity by introducing menstrual leave for its registered officers. Women can choose to take 2-3 days off per month, the notification released on May 27, a day ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day, stated. However, the leave would only be granted on the prior recommendation of the Medical Officer of the High Court. “This leave will not be counted against the employee’s overall leave account,” the letter signed by Registrar General Prajwal Khatiwada read.
The Sikkim HC is the smallest in the country and has only nine officers in the registry, including one woman, the High Court website states. According to a report in The Indian Express, it is the country's first High Court to introduce a menstrual leave policy.
First High Court To Introduce Menstrual Leave
Sikkim High Court made history on May 27, becoming the first HC in the country to introduce a menstrual leave. The move has been hailed as a progressive step towards supporting women's health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Debate Around Menstrual Leave In India
In February 2023, a Supreme Court of India bench led by CJI D Y Chandrachud declined to hear petitions seeking menstrual leave for students and employees across India, stating that it was in the domain of policy and not for them to decide.
In December 2023, Smriti Irani, the Minister of Women and Child Development of India, came under fire when she said "menstruating and menstrual cycle is not a handicap," as she declined a menstrual leave policy at all institutes.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare formulated a draft in 2023, for a Menstrual Hygiene policy which stated that work-from-home or support leaves should be available to women so that there is no discrimination against them.
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