I don't think that there is any injustice in this matter. First of all, you are an HR person and you should be a role model to all other employees. If you take leave on the ground of maternity for 7 months (April to October) what the others will do? Obviously, the employer is bound to pay 84 days pay, but from the post we are unable to understand what was the length of leave before delivery because as per Maternity Benefit Act an employer is not bound to give benefits for more than 6 weeks before delivery and what was the reason for extension of leave beyond 84 days in total (all inclusive, prior to and post delivery).
Maternity Benefit Act is essentially a social welfare legislation meant for women and it is true that every employer is bound to give the benefits to every woman employee irrespective of the number of times the benefit is availed. It is equally right that we have every right to get the benefits under the Act. But I would say that now a days, woman going for maternity rarely returns to work, either they will extend the leave to the maximum till the employer will say that we cannot grant any more extension and no sooner the employer says so, she will resign and go. For all, personal life is more important and to safeguard it, they will just leave the job. On the other hand, the employer will have to wait for the employee to come and join. In a govt set up or public sector organisation, it is easy to employ a badli/ temporary employee in the leave vacancy but in private sector, when we are finding it difficult even to get permanent employees, we can't imagine getting it for 3 or 4 months!
I repeat that HR should be a model and should understand both sides, the employer's paint in getting the things done. That does not mean that denial of justice should be justified. Therefore, please clarify the reasons for the such a long leaves.
I would also request the readers to read what I have written in its spirit by not reading between the lines, which is a practice among many among us in this forum.
Madhu.T.K