Himachal Pradesh High Court Rules that Contractual Employees are Entitled to Maternity Leave Benefits

The Himachal Pradesh High Court declared that contractual employees cannot be denied maternity leave, quashing a state government order that cancelled such benefits.

The verdict came in response to a petition by an Anganwadi worker whose leave was revoked. The Court directed the State to reinstate her benefits and ensure compliance with labour laws. 

The Court noted that the maternity leave of the petitioner began while she was working on a contract basis, but before her maternity leave of 180 days could be availed by her, the department regularised her services.

Thus, the Court set aside the order of the department and directed the State to release all the due amounts to the petitioner.

[Kamini Sharma v State of Himachal Pradesh & Ors.]