How Would You Handle Sudden Termination During Maternity Leave Approval Process?

I hope you are all doing well! A friend of mine who works in an IT company has been terminated without prior notice. She had informed her company 4 months in advance and had been continuously following up for the approval of her maternity leave and related policy discussions. Her company's HR just replied that they would update her, and in this manner, 4 months passed. When she reiterated that she wanted to go on maternity leave from the requested date (as her delivery time was approaching), her company informed her that she was being terminated because the project she was working on had closed from the client's end, leading to the discontinuation of her services. Upon checking with the client company's HR, she discovered that her maternity leave request had been approved from their end.

I kindly request your assistance in resolving this matter. It is extremely urgent as the female employee is expecting soon. We urgently need your help!

P.S: Her company employs more than 10 people, and she has completed over 6 months at her current company.

Violation of the Maternity Benefits Act

The action of the company is in violation of the provisions of the Maternity Benefits Act. I do hope the intimation of pregnancy was in writing.

It appears that termination has been resorted to by the company to avoid paying maternity benefits, as the client has confirmed to you that they have no issue with your leave. Send them a legally drafted letter signed by you, drawing attention to the facts of the case and laws relating to maternity.

In case the company is not reacting, you may need to approach the Labour Commissioner to enforce your statutory rights.