Hi Ravi,
As per the provisions of Section 4(1) of the Maternity Benefit Act 1961, no employer shall knowingly employ a woman in any establishment during the six weeks immediately FOLLOWING the day of her delivery, miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy.
Similarly, as per the provision of Section 4(2) of the Act, No woman shall work in any establishment during the six weeks immediately FOLLOWING the day of her delivery, miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy.
But, there is no mention in the Act that may prohibit employment of a pregnant woman in an organization prior to the delivery date.
However, her maternity benefit can accrue to her only if she has actually worked in an establishment of the employer for a period 80 in the twelve months period immediately preceding the date of her expected delivery. That means she can avail of other kinds of leave due to her at her credit or leave without pay during the prescribed period before and after the delivery date.
For your reference and guidance, I am attaching the copy of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. You can download the same for your reference. Other members may also like to be benefited by the same.