Chennai, May 2:
The Madras High Court has criticised the Tamil Nadu government for restricting maternity leave to 12 weeks for a third pregnancy, stating there was no justification for such a limitation.
A Division Bench comprising Justices R Suresh Kumar and N Senthilkumar observed that the Government Order issued on March 13, 2026, was inconsistent with constitutional provisions and judicial precedents.
The court emphasised that the physical and emotional needs of a mother remain the same regardless of whether it is a first, second or third pregnancy.
The ruling came on a petition filed by a Villupuram court staff member, whose maternity leave was curtailed to three months.
Setting aside the order, the High Court directed the state government to grant her full 365 days of maternity leave, underscoring that no discrimination can be made in maternity benefits.