The Tripura Human Rights Commission has asked the Government of Tripura to provide a detailed report on menstrual leave and related welfare provisions for women employees and female students in the state.

The direction was issued by Commission Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh, who took suo motu cognizance of the matter.

The Commission has sought clarity from the state government on whether any policy, proposal, consultation, or action plan exists or is being considered regarding menstrual leave, menstrual health support, attendance relaxation, or workplace accommodations for women across government and private sectors, as well as in educational institutions.

While referring to recent observations of the Supreme Court in a writ petition, the Commission noted that menstrual leave is a complex policy issue that requires decisions by both the Centre and states in consultation with stakeholders. The apex court had also stated that individual states are free to frame their own policies on the subject.

The order highlighted that India currently does not have any central law mandating menstrual leave. However, it pointed out that some states have introduced supportive measures, such as Bihar’s reported provision of two days’ menstrual leave per month for women government employees since 1992, Kerala’s relaxation policies for female students, and Karnataka’s 2025 government order allowing one day of paid menstrual leave per month for women in both public and private sectors.

The Commission also referred to earlier legislative attempts, including the Menstruation Benefits Bill, 2017 and the Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products Bill, 2022, neither of which has been passed into law.

Emphasizing that menstrual health and workplace dignity are linked to constitutional rights of equality and humane working conditions, the Commission said the issue warrants serious consideration by the state authorities.

A suo motu case has been registered, and the Chief Secretary of Tripura, Jitendra Kumar Sinha, has been directed to submit a detailed response through the relevant departments within 30 days. The matter will next be heard on June 10, 2026.