Supreme Court Rules Against Uniform Menstrual Leave

The Supreme Court's decision to dismiss a petition for a uniform national menstrual leave policy has shifted the responsibility to individual states and organizations. Karnataka has emerged as the first state to implement a policy, granting women 12 days of annual menstrual leave. However, this policy, like those in Bihar, Odisha, and Kerala, excludes many workers, including domestic and gig workers.

In a related but distinct ruling, the Supreme Court has extended maternity leave benefits to adoptive mothers, granting them 12 weeks of leave after a child is placed in their care. This move aims to provide greater support to adoptive families. The article also touches upon evolving parental leave policies in the private sector, with companies like Swiggy and Zomato offering extended parental and work-from-home options for new mothers.