‘Benevolent sexism’: Women managers challenge Karnataka’s menstrual leave order in High Court

A group of 15 women in managerial roles across private firms has moved the Karnataka High Court challenging the state government’s order mandating one day of paid menstrual leave each month, according to a report by P Vasantha Kumar in The Times of India.

The petition, filed on March 23, contends that the distinction made between men and women through compulsory menstrual leave lacks a rational nexus with the objective of achieving workplace equality, the report said.



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The Karnataka government had issued the order on November 20, 2025, providing for one day of paid menstrual leave every month.

The petitioners argued that the mandate could inadvertently discourage employers from hiring women, who may be perceived as less capable due to mandated absences. They further contended that the notification violates Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law.

Rather than advancing gender parity, the plea said, the policy reinforces stereotypes portraying women as weaker and undermines the objective of equality laws.


Also Read: In Karnataka, women employees to get one day menstrual leave every month

Terming the move as “benevolent sexism”, the petitioners argued that the policy, under the guise of protection, perpetuates paternalistic attitudes.

The matter was listed before Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde, who is also hearing petitions filed by employers’ associations opposing the government notification, the report added.

With inputs from TOI