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.
Today, On 19th November, in the District Judge Appointments case, Supreme Court says Selection Grade follows merit cum seniority and orders all States and UTs to amend service rules within three months, ensuring uniform implementation of new roster, seniority, and promotion guidelines across the judicial services system.
