Delhi High Court: Pregnant Working Women Entitled to Maternity Benefits
The Delhi High Court has ruled that pregnant working women cannot be denied maternity benefits under the Maternity Benefit Act, 2017, solely due to the nature of their employment. Justice Chandra Dhari Singh stated that there is nothing in the Act that suggests denying benefits based on the nature of employment.
Maternity Benefits as a Fundamental Right
The court emphasized that maternity benefits are not just a statutory or contractual right but are a fundamental and integral part of a woman’s identity. It stated that the liberty to carry a child is a fundamental right granted by the Constitution, and denying this right without proper legal procedure is against social justice.
Choice Between Family and Career
Justice Singh highlighted that forcing a woman to choose between her familial life and career progression is a failure of society. The court stressed the need for a more adaptive approach in granting maternity benefits and acknowledged that they should be considered a matter of right for women in such positions.
Relief Granted to Pregnant Woman
The court made these observations while granting relief to a pregnant woman who was denied maternity benefits due to her contractual employment with Delhi State Legal Services Authority. Justice Singh directed the authority to release all medical, monetary, and other benefits that accrued to the woman as per the Maternity Benefit Act, 2017.
Equal Treatment and Conducive Work Environment
The court emphasized the importance of equal treatment for women in services and stated that equity and equality do not mean identical treatment. It highlighted the need for a work environment conducive to a woman’s decision-making regarding personal and professional life. The court stressed that women should not be forced to make an “either-or” decision between a career and motherhood.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s ruling ensures that pregnant working women are entitled to maternity benefits and that denying these benefits solely based on the nature of their employment is against their fundamental rights. The court emphasized the importance of a positive change in perspective and a more adaptive approach to granting maternity benefits. This ruling is a significant step towards ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for women in the workforce.
Summary:
- The Delhi High Court has ruled that pregnant working women cannot be denied maternity benefits solely due to the nature of their employment.
- The court emphasized that maternity benefits are a fundamental right and denying them without proper legal procedure is against social justice.
- Justice Singh highlighted the need for a more adaptive approach in granting maternity benefits and ensuring a conducive work environment for women.
- The court granted relief to a pregnant woman who was denied maternity benefits due to her contractual employment.
- The ruling ensures equal treatment and opportunities for women in the workforce.
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