The Karnataka High Court ruled that a woman's menstrual health is intrinsically linked to her right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The court directed the Karnataka government to implement its menstrual leave policy, which allows women aged 18 to 52 one day of paid leave per month during their menstrual cycle, starting from December 2025. Justice M. Nagaprasanna emphasized that the policy must translate into tangible relief for women, especially in the unorganised sector, where compliance has been challenging. The court rejected criticisms regarding equality, stating that acknowledging biological differences does not undermine equality but promotes substantive equality. The existing policy grants up to 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually, but the court noted that practical challenges should not hinder its implementation. A proposed Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill aims to provide stronger legal backing and extend benefits to students, with penalties for non-compliance. The High Court's decision highlights the importance of menstrual health in ensuring dignity and humane working conditions for women.