A public interest litigation (PIL) petition was filed before the Apex Court seeking the introduction of menstrual pain leave or period leave for females students and working women throughout India.
The petition stated that knowingly and unknowingly people have always had taboo on approach of such subjects and legislatives have taken up on these issues.
The petitioner cited examples of companies like Ivipanan, Zomato, Byju’s, Swiggy , Mathrubhumi, Magzter, Industry, ARC, FlyMyBiz and Gozoop which offer paid period leaves.
Advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi who filed a petition in the Apex court urged the top Court for issuing directions to the State governments for framing rules for menstrual pain leaves.
The plea has also asked for directions to implement Section 14 of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, which deals with the appointment of inspectors to implement the provisions of the said Act.
The petitioner argued,that as per the online research it is only the state of Meghalaya is that has provided for the appointment of such officers via a 2014 notification.
Talking about the menstrual leave,it was submitted that Bihar is the only state at present which provides special menstrual pain leave as part of a 1992 policy.
The petitioner also contended that the denial of menstrual pain leaves in all the remaining States amounts to a violation of their right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.
The advocate also apprised the court that it there were two private member Bills introduced in the Lok Sabha on related matters, but unfortunately both Bills have lapsed.