Maternity Leave Can't Be Refused Citing Stepchildren, Woman Entitled To Childbirth Benefits & Reproductive Autonomy: Supreme Court

This judgment focuses on the rights related to maternity leave and reproductive health under the Central Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 (referred to as the 1972 Rules), and their connection to constitutional guarantees, especially under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The case involves a female government employee who was denied maternity leave based on the number of children she had declared, including children from her spouse's previous marriage. Right to…