High Court Upholds Maternity Rights for Contractual Workers in Punjab & Haryana
The Punjab and Haryana High Court delivered a landmark judgment on August 4, 2025, granting contractual employees the right to maternity benefits. The court deemed denying these benefits a violation of the fundamental right to equality enshrined in the Constitution.
The ruling stems from a case involving a clinic assistant who was denied re-employment after availing maternity leave. The court’s decision underscores the protective intent of the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961.
The High Court cited several Supreme Court precedents in its judgment, reinforcing the principle of equal treatment for all working women, regardless of employment status.
This decision has significant implications for thousands of contractual workers in Punjab and Haryana, ensuring their right to maternity benefits and promoting gender equality in the workplace. The judgment sets a crucial precedent, potentially influencing similar cases across the nation and paving the way for more inclusive employment practices.
