SC Upholds Maternity Leave as Constitutional Right

• 27 May 2025

On 24th May 2025, the Supreme Court overturned a Madras High Court order and ruled that denying maternity leave for a third child violates a woman's constitutional rights, reinforcing her dignity and reproductive freedom.

Key Points

• Landmark Judgment: The Supreme Court held that maternity leave is not just a policy matter but a constitutional guarantee tied to dignity, equality, and health.
• Background: A government school teacher in Tamil Nadu was denied leave for her third child due to state policy aimed at population control.
• Court’s Rationale: The bench stated that maternity leave is essential for a woman’s physical and emotional well-being and work performance.
• Reproductive Autonomy: The ruling reinforced that every woman has a fundamental right to make reproductive choices without state interference.
• Policy vs. Constitution: The Court clarified that state policies must align with constitutional rights and cannot curtail entitlements like maternity leave.
• Wider Impact: The judgment strengthens protections for working women and sets a precedent for prioritizing health, equality, and reproductive rights over restrictive population policies.