The Bangalore Hotels Association (BHA) has filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court challenging the state government’s recent directive making menstrual leave compulsory across various sectors. The association has questioned the very basis of the order, highlighting that the State itself has not extended such leave to women working in government departments.

On November 12, the Labour Department issued a notification directing all establishments covered under the Factories Act of 1948, the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act of 1961, the Plantations Labour Act of 1951, the Beedi and Cigar Workers Act of 1966 and the Motor Transport Workers Act of 1961, to grant one day of menstrual leave per month adding up to 12 days a year  to all women employees, including permanent, contract and outsourced staff.