Pregnant and Pressured to Quit: What Are My Rights When Denied Rejoining After Leave?

Hi, I had been employed for over three months with a private limited company when I asked for leave. I submitted both a verbal and email application for medical leave due to pregnancy for a month. I also provided the doctor's medical certificate via email. The company is not allowing me to rejoin after my leave. They are saying they never formally sanctioned the leave and that I might request leaves repeatedly. They want me to resign (this was verbally communicated) and mentioned that they might consider waiving the one-month notice period. What protection do I have during my pregnancy, and what should I do now? I am not covered by the ESI Act.

As per the Maternity Benefit Act, no woman employee can be terminated during pregnancy. You are protected to that extent by the act. However, fighting to retain a job against an employer that does not want you is a very difficult thing to handle. Even if you were to show the rules or take the help of the labor officer to get your job back, the harassment and mental stress you will go through is huge. Are you willing to go through that during pregnancy?

Thank you.