The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that women doctors cannot be denied salaries during maternity leave once leave is granted under service rules. The Court ruled maternity benefits are constitutional rights flowing from dignity, equality and reproductive autonomy, not government charity.
The Supreme Court refused immediate relief to IPS officer Urvashi Sengar, holding that joining Phase-II training midway would undermine its purpose. However, the Court orally agreed that her challenge to the 1993 MHA Office Memorandum on maternity-related interruptions appeared to have substantial legal merit.
The Madras High Court allowed Tamil Nadu to issue compassionate appointment orders to families of the 41 Karur stampede victims but directed that the jobs remain temporary, subject to the outcome of pending proceedings. The Court declined to interfere with the government’s policy decision at this stage.