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.
Today(on 8th July),The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL seeking menstrual leave and advised the Centre to collaborate with stakeholders and states to formulate a model policy. While recognizing the potential of menstrual leave to increase women’s workforce participation, the Court emphasized the need for a balanced approach to avoid unintended consequences and suggested involving the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
