NEHA R.NAIK Vs. STATE OF GOA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. V. Rodrigues, learned counsel for the Petitioner, and Mr. D. Pangam, learned Advocate General who appears along with Ms. Maria Correia, learned Additional Government Advocate for the Respondents.

(2.) Rule. The rule is made returnable immediately at the request and with the consent of the learned counsel for the parties.

(3.) The issue involved in this Petition is whether maternity benefit, i.e. 180 days paid leave, can be denied to a contractual employee of an establishment covered under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Said Act). The issue arises in the facts discussed hereafter.