[Marxistindia] Right to Menstrual Leave

[news from the cpi(m)]

March 14, 2026

 

Press Statement

 

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the
following statement:

 

Right to Menstrual Leave

 

The Supreme Court of India has made some negative and discriminatory
observations while disposing off a petition seeking menstrual leave for
working women. The Chief Justice of India has reportedly observed that
nobody will hire women if such a law is made. Strangely, the court further
observed, that such a leave can be harmful to the growth of industry. 

 

In taking this view, the court has restated the patriarchal notion that
women's biological realities are not normal and need not be taken into
account in their workplaces. By labelling menstrual leave as dangerous to
the growth of companies, it has implied that women's health needs are
secondary to the productivity of companies. This is misplaced as enabling
women to take leave during their menstrual cycle, if they so desire, is just
recognising that women are equal participants in the workforce, but with
separate needs, which should be construed as reasonable accommodation.

 

Ignoring menstruation and the pain women can go through during this period
only invisibilises the issue and forces women to suffer. If the health and
wellbeing of women is to be recognised, and they are to work with dignity,
leave rules must include leave taken during one's menstrual cycle. 

 

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that menstrual leave should be part
of the right that a working woman is entitled to take.

 

 

(Muralidharan)

For CPI(M) Central Committee Office

 

 

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