The Sikkim High Court mentioned that those women employees working in the registry of that court can avail of menstrual leave. The notification, signed by the Chief Justice, honorable Biswanath Somadder, on May 27, 2024, grants female employees two to three days of menstruation leave each month.

The High Court Medical Officer’s advice to female staff members in the High Court Registry is noted in the announcement, with the notice stating that this leave can be availed of by those female staff members who are part of the High Court Registry.

Menstrual Leave Policy:

The notification stated, "Women employees in the High Court Registry may henceforth avail menstrual leave of 2-3 days in a month, provided they approach the Medical Officer attached to the High Court first and obtain the latter's recommendation for such leave."

It also stated that any time that a female employee wants to take time off due to menstrual issues, it will not be considered an absence for purposes of deductions from their leave allowances. This high court ruling was a day in advance of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, which is celebrated every May 28th, to eliminate the perception of shame that is usually associated with menses and create awareness of the proper handling of menses.

menstrual leave
image Source:Manipal Hospital

On May 28th, Menstrual Health Day, millions of people, together with governments, the private sector, and the world’s non-profit organizations, join the fight against menstrual stigma and taboos.

Menstrual hygiene day is an effort towards providing period-friendly rest rooms, period education, and good-quality, affordable menstruation products. However, over the past decade, the movement has gained prominence that other days of the year also many people try to increase awareness.

The Menstrual Hygiene Day that is celebrated every year has been dubbed “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”.

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