'Very Serious Matter': Kerala High Court Seeks State's Stand On Paid Menstrual Leave For KSRTC Conductors

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (February 12) asked whether the State can consider having a paid menstrual leave policy for the women conductors of the KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation).

When the matter came up for consideration before Justice N. Nagaresh, the counsel for the petitioners submitted that the KSRTC is following double duty system and the conductors have to work around 14 to 16 hours per day. He sought a direction for considering the petitioners' representation seeking two days' paid menstrual leave for women conductors.

The standing counsel for the KSRTC contended that it cannot consider introduction of a menstrual leave policy. The stand taken in their counter affidavit was reiterated - that the Kerala Service Rules (KSR) do not have any provision mandating menstrual leave and that it is a policy decision that the government has to consider.

The petitioners' counsel clarified that direction is sought to the State to consider the representation. He told that similar policies have been implemented in Karnataka, Orissa and Bihar.

Justice Nagaresh then turned to the government pleader and asked: "Can you consider? Very serious matter." The government pleader sought time to get instructions.

The Court then directed the government pleader to get instructions as to whether the representation can be considered. The case is posted after 2 weeks.

Case No: WP(C) 44089/2025

Case Title: Asha S.S. and Ors. v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Counsel for the petitioners: Anil Kumar M. Sivaraman, Lakshmisree P.S.

Counsel for the respondents: Deepu Thankan - Standing Counsel - KSRTC