Get instructions over maternity leave for third child: HC to govt

The Telangana High Court sought to know from the State government if the maternity leave of 180 days was confined only to two children.

A Bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin raised this query on Thursday and directed the government counsel to secure instructions on the matter within a week. It was hearing a writ petition filed by G. Swetha, an assistant in a government school in Ranga Reddy district.

The petitioner contended that GO 152 Leave Rules, issued by the Finance Department permitting 180 days of maternity leave for only two children, was arbitrary and against the principles of natural justice. The rule was in violation of a verdict delivered by the Supreme Court, the petitioner said.

She said that she had applied for maternity leave for her third child and made a representation to consider her leave application to the head master concerned. The Bench posted the matter to September 16 for next hearing.