The Karnataka High Court has put on hold the state government’s November 20 notification that required workplaces to give women employees aged 18 to 52 one extra day of leave per month during their menstruation. Justice Jyoti M. issued the interim order on December 9, 2025, after petitions were filed by the Bangalore Hotels’ Association and Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems Ltd. The petitioners argued that no existing laws allow for menstrual leave. They said the government did not have the authority to grant this extra leave through a notification. They also highlighted that there was no prior consultation with businesses before the “Menstrual Leave Policy 2025” was introduced. The original notification applied to establishments registered under several acts such as the Factories Act, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, Plantation Labour Act, among others. It stated women could use the menstrual leave only in the month it was given, with no carryover allowed. Importantly, women were not required to submit a medical certificate to avail of this leave. The court’s stay means the policy cannot be enforced until further notice.