Can a Company Terminate Employment for Extending Maternity Leave? Seeking Advice

Hi,

I wanted to know if a company can terminate your employment if you request an extension of leave after maternity leave. Please advise.

Hi,

You need to provide an illness certificate from a medical officer/doctor to your company stating the reason for the extension needed after maternity leave.

Thanks and Regards,

Akash Sharma

Dear friend,

Can you please go through Section 10 of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, which deals with leave for illness arising out of pregnancy, delivery, premature birth of a child, miscarriage, medical termination of pregnancy, or tubectomy operation? This is a leave with wages for a maximum period of one month in addition to the period of absence allowed to her under section 6 or section 9 as the case may be. Of course, you have to attach a medical certificate for this.

Dear Friend,

In my opinion, your HR has treated you as absconding for not joining after the stipulated date despite availing the benefit. Treating someone as absconding is justified when they fail to comply with the requirements.

I suggest you go and meet with your HR, providing any requisite medical proof if available, before the situation worsens.