News: In Rakhi Bisht vs. Union of India, Delhi HC held that maternity leave cannot adversely affect a woman’s post, status, responsibilities or career progression.

Key Points:

• Right to Restoration: Same post on return; if unavailable, an equivalent post in pay, grade, status and responsibilities.
• Court directed rules on pregnancy accommodation, role protection, return-to-work parity, lactation support and grievance redressal.
• Maternity cannot become a source of workplace discrimination or humiliation.

Constitutional Basis:

• Article 14 – Equality | Article 15 – Non-discrimination | Article 21 – Dignity | Article 42 – Humane work conditions + maternity relief.
• Significance: Strengthens gender equality, dignity and substantive workplace equality.