Equal Maternity Leave for Contractual Employees, Relief Granted : Rajasthan High Court

In a landmark ruling, the Rajasthan High Court upheld maternity leave rights for contractual female employees, ensuring parity with regular staff.

The petitioner, a contractual Nurse (Grade II), was granted only two months of leave in 2008 despite a rule extending it to 180 days. 

The Court ruled this discriminatory, citing Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The Court emphasized that maternity rights are universal.

The state was directed to pay her salary for the remaining leave with 9% interest. This aligns with similar Calcutta and Delhi High Courts rulings, reinforcing equal maternity benefits.