Karnataka’s ambitious Women Well Being Leave Bill, 2025, aimed at giving women menstrual leave, is now on hold. The state government planned to introduce it during the last Winter Session but delayed it due to opposition from several quarters, including some ministers. Officials told The Hindu, “We have decided to put the Bill on the backburner due to opposition. It was also felt that school girls who are also covered in the Bill could be stigmatised if they avail themselves of the menstrual leave. It was felt that the Bill required wider consultation.” The Bill was to cover women aged 18 and above, including school and college students, and proposed penalties of ₹5,000 for violations. In November 2025, the Karnataka government issued a Government Order (GO) granting one-day menstrual leave a month. Initially for the private sector, it was extended to government employees. However, several workplace laws do not currently include menstrual leave provisions, pushing the government to draft a stronger law. Despite this, after four months, implementation remains weak. Many industries cite an ongoing Karnataka High Court case challenging the GO, delaying its adoption. A Law Department source said, “The High Court in December has recalled the stay order on the GO, which effectively means that the GO is still legal.” A minister added the court case “seems to have caused confusion, and that it is likely the issue will be addressed in the Budget.” Trade unions report that some industries connect menstrual leave with attendance incentives, complicating matters. The absence of any penalty in the GO and no designated agency to enforce the policy are seen as major loopholes. A union source said, “The proposed Bill has both monitoring provisions as well as provisions to levy a penalty of ₹5,000 for denying leave. The GO, in the absence of a legislation, is weak.” Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot called the policy a “revolutionary decision” for women’s health in his Republic Day speech. The future of the Bill depends on further consultations and clarity on legal issues.