MP High Court Grants 26 Weeks Paid Maternity Leave to Guest Female Faculty

In a significant legal decision, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, in the case of Mrs. Preeti Saket vs State of Madhya Pradesh, has interpreted the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 in a logical and constitutionally valid manner.

The court ruled that the condition of working for at least 80 days in the previous 12 months to avail maternity benefits will not apply to institutions functioning under the state government.

The case involves petitioner Mrs. Preeti Saket, who was employed as a guest faculty member at Government Tilak PG College, Katni. On April 5, 2023, the then Principal granted her six months of maternity leave along with honorarium payment during the leave period.

However, a subsequent Principal later modified the earlier order on June 16, 2023, and declared the six-month maternity leave as unpaid.

The constitutional validity of the revised order dated June 16, 2023, was challenged through R.P.S. Law Associates. The initial hearing of the petition was conducted by a division bench led by Justice Vishal Dhagat.