K’taka HC declines stay on menstrual leave order, says issue of public importance
Bengaluru: The State Government has strongly defended its decision to grant one day of paid menstrual leave every month to women employees, telling the Karnataka High Court that the notification was issued in the larger interest of women and is legally sound. The Court, treating the matter as one of significant public importance, refused to stay the implementation of the order and adjourned the hearing to January 20.
The Labour Department’s November 20, 2025 notification was challenged by the Bangalore Hotels Association, Avirat Defence System, Facile Aerospace Technologies Ltd and Samos Technologies Ltd. Justice Jyoti Mulimani heard the petitions on Wednesday.
At the start of the hearing, the bench asked whether the State had filed its objections. Advocate General K. Shashikiran Shetty informed the Court that objections had been submitted and that copies would be provided to the petitioners.
Defending the notification, the Advocate General said the government had introduced a progressive measure aimed at women’s welfare, one that no other state in India had implemented so far. He told the Court that 72 objections were received and considered before finalising the notification. He argued that the government was empowered to frame such policy under Article 42 of the Constitution and noted that the Supreme Court and the Law Commission had earlier made recommendations in this direction.
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When the Court asked whether the notification applied to all sectors, the Advocate General replied in the affirmative. The bench observed that the matter required detailed hearing because of its wider public impact and decided to take it up in January. The Court added that petitioners may file their responses to the State’s objections before the next hearing.
Petitioners’ counsel B.K. Prashanth requested that the State be restrained from enforcing the order until the case is decided. The Advocate General responded that the government had already begun implementing the notification across all sectors.
Justice Mulimani noted that nothing would change between now and the next hearing and emphasised that the Court would consider all arguments thoroughly before issuing any direction. The bench then adjourned the matter to January 20 and asked petitioners to file any additional applications with copies to the State’s counsel.
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UP govt committed to providing housing to needy: Adityanath
Gorakhpur (UP) (PTI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said the state government would ensure housing for the needy and extend adequate financial assistance for the treatment of those suffering from serious illnesses.
During his visit to Gorakhpur, he heard grievances of people at a ‘Janata Darshan’ programme held at the Gorakhnath Temple.
Addressing the gathering, Adityanath said the government is committed to ensuring that every eligible and needy person benefits from welfare schemes and that all public grievances are resolved effectively.
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He interacted with around 100 people and listened to their complaints individually at the Mahant Digvijaynath Smriti Bhavan premises, an official statement said.
The chief minister directed administrative and police officials to ensure time-bound, fair and satisfactory redressal of issues.
He also instructed the police to take prompt and strict action in matters related to law enforcement.
During the interaction, a woman raised her concern regarding lack of housing, to which the chief minister assured that she would be provided a house under a government scheme.
People seeking financial help for treatment of serious ailments were also assured that lack of funds would not hinder medical care.
Adityanath directed officials to promptly prepare estimates for advanced medical treatment of needy patients and ensure timely assistance.
