Affirming fundamental rights, the Madras High Court has issued a binding directive for paid maternity leave to cover the birth of a third child among its women employees, addressing a persistent policy shortfall. B. Mangaiyarkarasi’s court challenge, triggered by leave denial, brought the issue to the forefront.
The Division Bench of Justice R. Suresh Kumar and Justice Shmeem Ahmed confronted the Tamil Nadu rulebook’s omission for third-child leave. Referencing Supreme Court precedents, they asserted that maternal entitlements transcend child count.
Orders were promptly issued to the Registrar General: sanction one year of paid maternity leave for the petitioner, encompassing all fiscal perks. For enduring impact, a circular must reach every district court authority, while the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary is tasked with departmental-wide adherence.
This proactive stance mirrors earlier judicial interventions, solidifying maternity leave as an unconditional benefit. It underscores the judiciary’s role in bridging legislative gaps, particularly for working mothers navigating expanded families.
Beyond immediate relief, the ruling advocates for policy evolution, potentially influencing private sectors too. In an era of demographic shifts, such measures bolster workforce participation and family well-being, heralding a more equitable future.