Bhubaneswar, March 14 -- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday said that making menstrual leave mandatory for women could adversely impact their employment prospects, warning that employers might avoid hiring women if such a law is introduced.

The remarks came during a hearing on a petition filed by lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who sought directions from the Supreme Court to states to frame rules granting paid menstrual leave for women, including students and working professionals.

The Chief Justice observed that while awareness and sensitisation on menstrual health are important, legally mandating leave could create unintended consequences in the job market. "The moment you bring in a law mandating menstrual leave, nobody wil...