Why is it in the news?
The Supreme Court expanded maternity leave rights.
Category: Polity / Social Issues
Important Points:
● Maternity leave granted irrespective of child’s age
● Struck down restrictive provision of Code of Social Security, 2020
● Recognised adoption as part of reproductive autonomy
● Ensures equality between adoptive and biological mothers
● Prevents gender inequality due to childcare burden
● Promotes economic independence of women
● Calls for introduction of paternity leave
● Highlights shared responsibility in parenting