The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday stayed the State government’s recent notification granting one paid menstrual leave per month to women employees across all establishments registered under various labour laws, including the Factories Act, the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, and the Plantation Labour Act.

The interim order was passed by Justice Jyoti M while hearing a petition filed by the Bangalore Hotels Association. A similar plea by another establishment was also taken up. After brief submissions from counsel for the petitioners, the Court sought the State’s response and stayed the operation of the menstrual leave policy pending further consideration.

The State government has been given liberty to seek modification of the interim order. The matter will be heard again tomorrow.