Maternity leave extensions - can we refuse extension after 6 months?

Hi all, As per the new maternity leave, Should we extend if employee asks for it . If yes any specific duration? Ours is a small Software company and as per the act, After 6 months it says company may give work from home option. CAN WE REFUSE EXTENSION after 6 months and say person has to rejoin?

Whether EXTENSION OF MATERNITY leave is for Medical reasons, duly supported by " medical Certificate" ? EXTENSION OF MATERNITY LEAVE CAN NOT BE MECHANICAL, It has to be for Medical Reason.If it is not, you can ask the Employee concerned to resume her work immediately after completion of her leave

thank you Srinath. Extension is asked for 3 months stating that the baby is still young and doctor advised extension for the baby. This is of course case to case.
Will there be a labour objection if we donot extend?
Does that mean that we cannot put as a policy and duration as 6M +1M and have to deal on a case to case basis?

Dear SUMISRISHR, Do you have Medical Certificate?-Extension is asked for 3 months stating that the baby is still young and doctor advised extension for the
Please evaluate Medical Certificate & decide about granting extension of leave or otherwise.If medical certificate warrants extension of leave, the same has to be considered by the Employer without being regarded as a precedent

dear Sumisri,
As per the amendment to the Maternity Benefit Act, there is an oprtion of work from home by the woman which is to be mutually decided between employer and the employee. I am attaching the relevant amendment for your ready reference.

Dear Sumisri,
Is the new act of maternity leave speak of extension of period? What is that period ? Is the period of leave beyond the granted leave under the Act?
If the employee has already utilised the granted leave under act, she is not entitiled any leave under maternity. But can be on leave on her earned leave accumlated, if not having LOP.