Maternity Leave is Linked to Reproductive Rights, Not Routine Leave: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court held that maternity leave is not a routine form of leave but is intrinsically linked to a woman’s reproductive rights, dignity, and health.

The Court said maternity leave cannot be mechanically clubbed with medical or casual leave, as it flows from biological and social realities unique to women.

The observation came while considering a plea of a medical trainee whose candidature was affected after her maternity leave was combined with medical leave taken for cancer treatment.

The Court directed authorities to reconsider her case with sensitivity, stressing the need for fairness and institutional support during pregnancy and recovery.