SC Strikes Down Age Limit on Maternity Leave for Adoption

On 17th March 2026, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling that strengthens the rights of adoptive mothers, holding that women who adopt children older than three months are entitled to maternity leave.

Background of the Case

  • The petition filed by Hamsaanandini Nanduri challenged Section 60(4) of the Code on Social Security, 2020, which limited maternity benefits to adoptive mothers of children below three months.
  • She argued that since the adoption process usually exceeds three months, the provision was impractical and excluded most adoptive mothers.

What did the Court Observe in its Judgment?

Striking Down Age Restrictions

  • Declared Section 60(4) ....
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