SARANYA P. B. Vs. MANAGING DIRECTOR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Pregnancy is a sacred time when a mother and her child are born; but it extends far beyond that. The journey from pregnancy to motherhood is something every new mother cherishes.

(2.) Birth is a sacred rite of passage, that marks the beginning of a new life - and for the mother, it is also a new - life as a parent. It is a powerful and transformative experience, which connects the mother to the cycles of nature and the phenomenon of creation. The act of giving birth is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual, requiring fortitude and self awareness on a new level. It is a momentous occasion celebrated and honoured in most of the cultures - if not all cultures - around the world.

(3.) In India, maternity leave and benefits are regulated under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 ('the Act' for short). The Act is intended to support women during the birth of their child, as also to protect and safeguard their livelihood and interest, giving them time to nurture their newborns, while taking care of themselves.