Madras HC Seeks State Report on Managing Maternity Leave Vacancies
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to file a detailed report on the measures taken to address vacancies caused by maternity leave. The court has also asked the government to clarify whether any study was conducted before implementing a policy that extends maternity leave for women employees.
Justice B. Pugalendhi, hearing a petition on Friday, noted that the State government had taken a policy decision to provide one year of maternity leave for a third child to all eligible women government employees. While appreciating the decision, the court termed it a welcome effort to encourage women to continue in service. However, the judge observed that the government must explain how it intends to manage the leave vacancies and whether any assessment was made before taking the policy decision.
The court pointed out that, at present, 10 per cent of the sanctioned and working strength of Personal Assistants to Judges at the High Court Bench are on maternity leave. It said the situation in other departments was not known. The court noted that every department already has regular vacancies and functions with a reduced workforce. With the extension of maternity leave, the percentage of employees on leave in each department remains unclear, the court added, stressing that departmental efficiency depends on the available workforce.
The court has also sought a report on the percentage of vacancies due to maternity leave in each department. The directive came during the hearing of a petition filed by A. Suganthi Stella Mary of Dindigul district. The petitioner, a Secondary Grade Teacher, had sought a direction to the Block Educational Office to grant her maternity leave with full pay.
The court has posted the matter for further hearing on September 18, giving the government time to submit the required reports. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how the administration balances progressive employee policies with operational efficiency in public services.
