
On Monday, May 27, the Sikkim High Court declared that female staff members employed by its registry would be entitled to menstrual leave.
A notice dated May 27, 2024, and authorised by Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder allows female employees to take two to three days of menstruation leave each month.
The announcement states that female staff members in the High Court Registry may take advantage of this leave following consultation with and advice from the High Court's attached Medical Officer.
"Women employees in the High Court Registry may henceforth avail menstrual leave of 2-3 days in a month, provided they approach the Medical Officer attached to the High Court first and obtain the latter's recommendation for such leave," the notification stated.
It further said that when a female employee takes leave, her leave account will not be deducted.
The high court's ruling was made one day before World Menstrual Hygiene Day, which is marked on May 28 every year with the goal of breaking the taboo and raising awareness of menstrual hygiene management.
On Menstrual Hygiene Day, millions of people, governments, the private sector, and non-profits come together to work towards creating a world free of the stigma and taboos around menstruation, where everyone has access to period-friendly restrooms, period education, and high-quality menstruation products.
The movement has expanded significantly over the last 10 years, and an increasing number of people are trying to raise awareness outside of May 28.
"Together for a Period Friendly World" is this year's theme for MenstrualHygieneDay.