India, March 14 -- The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a PIL seeking a nationwide policy providing paid menstrual leave for women, observing no one would give them jobs and such a provision would unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes. The court, however, asked the Centre and competent authorities to consider the representation of the PIL petitioner and examine the possibility of framing a policy on menstrual leave after consulting relevant stakeholders.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that while the intent behind the petition might be welfare-oriented, the practical reality of the job market could lead to "counter-productive" outcomes for women.

"This ...