India, March 13 -- The Supreme Court on Friday made some pointed observations as it disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide menstrual leave policy for women students and workers. The court said making such period leave compulsory in law would deter employers from hiring women and inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes.

A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing the PIL, 'Shailendra Mani Tripathi vs Union of India'.

"The moment you say it is compulsory in law, nobody will give them jobs. Nobody will take them in the judiciary or government jobs; their career will be over. They will say you should sit at home after informing everyone," the CJI said, as per new...