Can Employers Deny Full Salary and Rejoining Post-Maternity Leave Due to COVID?

Can an employer refuse to pay full salary and deny rejoining after maternity leave, citing the COVID situation?

Maternity Benefits and Employment Termination

No employer can refuse maternity benefits to an eligible employee or terminate her services while she is on maternity leave.

Even if a female employee commits malpractices, shows indiscipline, or engages in gross misconduct during her employment and then proceeds on maternity leave, a legally compliant employer must wait until her return and approve her rejoining. Only after she rejoins can the company or employer address her malpractices and proceed accordingly.

Maternity Benefits and Employment Rights

The employer cannot refuse maternity benefits to an eligible employee on any grounds. The service of an employee cannot be terminated once pregnancy is confirmed to management or while on maternity leave. Refusing to pay for the period of maternity leave and not reinstating the employee after maternity leave is illegal. The aggrieved employee should take up the issue with the appropriate government authority.