Paid menstrual leave for KSRTC women conductors: Kerala HC gives state 3 months to decide

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed the state government to take a decision within three months on a representation seeking two days of paid menstrual leave for women conductors employed by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

Justice Viju Abraham issued the directive while hearing a petition filed by KSRTC women conductors, including S.S. Asha, S. Sreena and M. Sajala. The court instructed the government to hear both the petitioners and the KSRTC before taking a decision.

The court observed that the government should formulate a menstrual leave policy suited to the working conditions of women conductors. It noted that menstrual leave would improve employee welfare, as severe menstrual symptoms can affect both health and job performance.

The High Court pointed out that the job of a bus conductor involves prolonged standing and continuous movement, while access to clean rest facilities is often limited.

Describing menstrual leave as a progressive welfare measure, the court said it acknowledges the physical and mental impact of menstruation on women employees. It added that such a policy is in line with the constitutional principles of protecting women's dignity and ensuring fair and humane working conditions.

The petitioners informed the court that KSRTC has around 3,000 women employees. They also pointed out that Karnataka grants one day of menstrual leave every month to all women employees and that menstrual leave has already been introduced for women students in universities in Kerala. Advocate M. Anilkumar appeared for the petitioners.