Justices R. Suresh Kumar and Shamim Ahmed direct Chief Secretary to circular their order to all HoDs so that they do not deny such benefit in future

[25/01, 08:11] Sekarreporter: L NADU
Women employees entitled to maternity leave for third pregnancy too, reiterates Madras High Court
Justices R. Suresh Kumar and Shamim Ahmed direct Chief Secretary to circular their order to all HoDs so that they do not deny such benefit in future
Published – January 24, 2026 11:52 pm IST – CHENNAI

MOHAMED IMRANULLAH S.




Madras High Court

The Madras High Court has reiterated that women employees cannot be denied maternity leave even during third pregnancy and directed the Chief Secretary to circulate its order among all heads of departments in the State government so that they adhere to it scrupulously in future.


The High Court’s second Division Bench of Justices R. Suresh Kumar and Shamim Ahmed expressed dismay over the officials continuing to deny maternity leave for third confinement despite multiple orders passed by the High Court in favour of grant of such benefit to women employees.
[25/01, 08:11] Meta AI: The Madras High Court has reiterated that women employees are entitled to maternity leave for their third pregnancy, directing the Chief Secretary to circulate the order to all heads of departments to prevent future denials. This ruling emphasizes that maternity leave rules should be interpreted to benefit women employees, ensuring they aren’t unfairly restricted from claiming leave, even if it’s for a third pregnancy. ¹ ² ³

In a similar case, Justice R. Vijayakumar ruled that a woman government employee can claim maternity leave twice during her service, regardless of whether it’s for a third pregnancy, if she’s claiming it for the first time. The court stressed that the state’s financial constraints shouldn’t override a woman’s right to maternity leave. ⁴ ⁵

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