India, March 13 -- Mandatory menstrual leave could negatively impact women's employment prospects, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Friday while hearing a petition seeking directions for states to introduce paid menstrual leave policies.

The Chief Justice warned that making such leave mandatory through legislation could discourage employers from hiring women.

"You don't know the mindset of employers. They will not hire women if we make such a law."

Chief Justice Surya Kant also said such a law could unintentionally create a perception that women are less capable than men in the workplace.

"It will create a psychological fear or impression among working women that they are 'less' than men," he said.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi, w...