India, Aug. 12 -- The Allahabad high court has rejected a government employee's plea for maternity leave, saying that she cannot be given leave for her fourth child under the rules.

Justice Manju Rani Chauhan passed the order on August 7 on the plea by Shashi Kumari. The woman had challenged an order of June 19 passed by the Block Education Officer, Sambhal (Bheem Nagar), rejecting her claim for maternity leave.

Kumari also requested the high court to direct the authority concerned to grant the six months maternity leave under the law.

During the course of hearing, the state counsel opposed the writ petition on the ground that, according to rules, the petitioner is not entitled to get any maternity leave for her fourth child. Hence no ...