New Delhi: While hearing the petition taxing mandatory leave for women during menstruation, the Supreme Magistrate has made an important comment. Senior Justice Surya Kant said that if menstrual leave is made mandatory as a law, it could have an wrongheaded impact on women's employment. The magistrate expressed winds that many employers may stave employing women in such situations, as they will be obliged to provide spare leave.
Can mandatory menstrual leave reduce employment opportunities?
During the hearing, the senior justice said that it is necessary to increase sensitivity and sensation at workplaces, but making any system mandatory as a law is a variegated matter. He said that as soon as it is made legally binding, many institutions will assess the spare responsibilities surpassing appointing women. The magistrate moreover said that many employers may stave hiring women considering of this, which may ultimately stupefy women's employment opportunities.
Will this send a wrong message well-nigh women?
The senior justice moreover expressed snooping that such a law could create a psychological perception in society that women are less capable than men. According to her, equality at the workplace will be strengthened only when women are seen with equal capabilities and responsibilities. If special arrangements are made mandatory through law, some people may moreover present it as a weakness of women.
What is the demand made in the petition?
This petition has been filed on behalf of well-wisher Shailendra Mani Tripathi. The petition urges the Supreme Magistrate to issue instructions to the inside and state governments so that girl students and working women can get special leave during menstruation. The petitioner argues that during this period many women have to squatter health-related problems, hence they should be given leave for rest.
Has such a provision been implemented anywhere before?
During the hearing, senior well-wisher M R Shamshad told the magistrate that such a system is once in place at some places. For example, in Kerala, sexuality students of universities were unliable menstrual leave. The state government had tabbed it a step towards creating a increasingly sensitive environment for women.
Will the debate on this issue continue?
Legal experts believe that there is a need for a comprehensive discussion in the country regarding menstrual leave. On one hand there is the question of women's health and comfort, while on the other hand there is moreover the rencontre of maintaining equal opportunities at the workplace. In such a situation, the debate on this topic is likely to protract at the level of government, magistrate and society in the coming times.
