India, March 15 -- Lawyers and activists have expressed varied views after the Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a plea seeking a nationwide menstrual leave policy, with some backing voluntary provisions while others stressing stronger legal safeguards to protect women's health and dignity.

The apex court on Friday refused to entertain the PIL, observing that no one would give them jobs in such a scenario and that such a provision would unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes.

Talking to mediapersons, senior advocate Karuna Nundy said a limited provision, such as one paid day of menstrual leave, could be a practical starting point. "The range of menstrual pain, from common cramps to endometriosis, is suffered by women re...