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 Karnataka High Court ruled that maintenance cannot be granted to wives automatically without examining financial circumstances. Justice Chillakur Sumalatha said courts must consider income, independence and responsibilities of both spouses before passing orders, setting aside a direction requiring a husband to pay Rs 20,000 monthly.
The Karnataka High Court allowed hysterectomy for a 23-year-old woman with severe intellectual disabilities after finding she could not make an informed decision. Justice Suraj Govindaraj held that medical evidence showed the procedure was in her best interests, protecting her welfare, dignity and safety.
The Supreme Court held that loss of a wife’s domestic care constitutes an independent head of compensation in motor accident claims. Granting enhanced compensation to a widower, the Court recognised homemakers’ invaluable contribution and observed that they should be regarded as “nation-builders” in society.
The Jharkhand High Court directed a complete ban on the two-finger test in all State medical institutions, holding that the practice violates privacy, bodily integrity, and dignity of rape survivors. The Court also issued directions on Zero FIRs, victim rehabilitation, support systems, and assistance for children born from sexual violence.