Context:
The Supreme Court allowed 12 weeks paid maternity leave to all adoptive mothers, removing the age restriction on the child.
Key Facts
- Earlier: Leave limited to mothers adopting a child below 3 months only
- Change: Extended to all adoptive mothers (regardless of the child age)
- Basis: Ensures equality (Article 14) and dignity (Article 21)
- Recognition: Adoption treated at par with biological motherhood
Legal Framework
- Code on Social Security, 2020 (replaced Maternity Benefit Act, 1961):
- Biological mothers: 26 weeks leave (first 2 children); 12 weeks (3rd child onwards)
- Adoptive mothers: 12 weeks
- Applies to establishments with 10+ employees
- Crèche facility mandatory (50+ employees)
- No dismissal during maternity leave
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