On Wednesday, the Karnataka High Court ordered the state government to enforce its menstrual leave policy, which grants women one day of paid leave each month, pending the formal enactment of legislation. This ruling came after a petition from Chandravva Hanamant Gokavi, a hotel worker from Belgaum district, who highlighted the physical challenges of manual labor during menstruation. The court referenced constitutional provisions that allow for special measures for women, emphasizing that acknowledging biological differences is essential for achieving true equality. The judgment noted the discomfort women experience during menstruation and the inadequate workplace facilities that often exacerbate these issues. The court also pointed out the need to extend menstrual leave benefits to women in the unorganized sector, who face significant vulnerabilities. The ruling aligns with global trends in menstrual leave policies, with historical precedents in countries like the Soviet Union and Japan. The Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, 2025, is currently pending in the state legislature, while challenges to the policy remain in the courts.