Pregnant and Denied Maternity Leave: What Are My Legal Options in a Private Company?

I am 7 months pregnant and have applied for six months' maternity leave a few days ago through email, which I plan to take from the start of the 9th month. I have attached the doctor's prescription along with the email. However, my employer (Owner) is not approving my leave application and is denying providing the salary during the six-month maternity leave. I am heading the HR department, and mine is the first maternity case for the company. This company is a Pvt Ltd. firm, and the strength of the company is approximately 100+.

Procedure to Apply for Maternity Leave in a Private Company

Please let me know the exact procedure to apply for maternity leave in a private company and also the legal steps I can take in case of denial of maternity benefits.

Ethically and legally, the employer can be sued for denial. Stacowiki.in provides information about the necessary documents that need to be maintained.

Any unethical response may lead to legal proceedings by the labor commissioner of that area.