India, April 16 -- The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday held that a woman's menstrual health is intrinsically linked to her right to life under Article 21, as it directed the state government to "strictly and faithfully implement" its menstrual leave policy until the proposed law on the issue is enacted. The policy, in force from December 2025, mandates registered establishments to grant one day of leave per month to women employees aged 18 to 52 during their menstrual cycle. Justice M Nagaprasanna said that once the proposed law, the Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, is passed, the state must, "without any undue delay frame appropriate rules" to give the law a "full and meaningful effect." The judge added that the measure cannot remain a mere declaration, but must translate into tangible relief for women workers across sectors, particularly the unorganised sector.P12...