“Maternity leave is integral to maternity benefits. Reproductive rights are now recognized as part of several intersecting domains of international human rights law viz. the right to health, right to privacy, right to equality and non-discrimination and the right to dignity,” the verdict said.
New Delhi: Maternity leave is integral to maternity benefits and reproductive rights are now recognised as part of international human rights law like right to health, privacy, equality and non-discrimination and dignity, the Supreme Court said on Friday.
The top court also set aside a Madras high court judgement declining maternity leave to a Tamil Nadu government school teacher and said she was entitled to the benefit despite having two children from a previous marriage.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan did not agree with the findings of the high court that had denied her maternity benefits.
“Thus, as can be seen…, through various international conventions, the world community has recognised the broad spectrum of reproductive rights which includes maternity benefits.
“Maternity leave is integral to maternity benefits. Reproductive rights are now recognized as part of several intersecting domains of international human rights law viz. the right to health, right to privacy, right to equality and non-discrimination and the right to dignity,” the verdict said.