The Madras High Court has once again upheld the right to paid maternity leave for women giving birth to their third child, issuing clear orders to its own staff in a significant employment rights case. Employee B. Mangaiyarkarasi approached the court after her request for leave was rejected, sparking a crucial legal battle over outdated maternity policies.
During proceedings before Justices R. Suresh Kumar and Shmeem Ahmed, it emerged that Tamil Nadu’s regulations do not cover leave for third or subsequent children, creating a gap in support for working mothers. Drawing on Supreme Court judgments and prior High Court rulings, the bench swiftly intervened.
The court commanded the Registrar General to approve one year of fully paid leave for the petitioner, including all monetary entitlements. Looking ahead, it mandated proactive measures: a comprehensive circular to district judiciary heads and a formal communication to Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secretary for statewide implementation.
This directive builds on established legal grounds, where the apex court has repeatedly clarified that maternity leave cannot be restricted by the number of children. By extending these benefits, the High Court is pushing for policy reforms that recognize the diverse realities of Indian families today.
Experts hail this as a step toward inclusive labor practices, urging other institutions to follow suit. For working women, it means greater security during one of life’s most demanding phases, fostering a more supportive professional environment.