Shimla, Oct. 13 -- The Himachal Pradesh high court on Monday has stayed the termination of a pregnant scientist who was dismissed from service three days after applying for maternity benefits.

Granting interim relief, the bench of justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua stayed the termination order and directed immediate reinstatement and continuation in service. The court was hearing a writ petition filed by Dr Aaina Sharma on October 9. The order was released on Monday.

The court has issued notices to the Centre through secretary, ministry of health and family welfare, department of health research, new delhi, indian council of medical research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur, and principal investigator, regional level 'Viral Res...