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 Allahabad High Court sharply criticised state authorities for their persistent failure to act promptly on a plea seeking medical termination of pregnancy for a minor rape survivor with mental disability. The Court highlighted delays that adversely affected the victim’s access to timely medical care.
Today, On 30th January, The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right to menstrual health, mandating free sanitary pads and separate toilets in schools. It said menstrual hygiene ensures reproductive health, equality, dignity, and fair opportunity for every girl.
The Bombay High Court has ordered a fertility centre to preserve the semen of a deceased 21-year-old to assist his mother in continuing the family lineage. Despite his consent to discard it after death, legal and ethical issues under the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act are being examined. A hearing is scheduled for July 30.
The Supreme Court of India ruled that maternity leave is a fundamental right and cannot be denied based on previous children from a prior marriage. The ruling arose from a case involving a teacher denied leave for her third child. Maternity leave is now affirmed as a part of women’s reproductive rights.
The Calcutta High Court permitted an elderly couple to undergo IVF, disregarding typical age limits for assisted reproductive technology. The couple, married for 30 years and seeking parenthood, argued their financial stability and readiness made them suitable candidates. This ruling sets a notable precedent for older individuals seeking IVF in India.