India, Nov. 10 -- The Ladakh Labour Court has directed the Sonam Wangchuk-associated Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), to reinstate a terminated employee and pay her Rs 3.03 lakh in maternity benefits along with a medical bonus of Rs 3,500.

The order concerns Amina Khatoon, whose services were terminated following childbirth in 2024.

The court observed that her termination was carried out without prior notice and without following the prescribed legal procedure.

The court has given HIAL time until November 26 to comply with the proposed settlement, failing which the matter will proceed further in accordance with law.

The directions come as a setback to the institution, which has been asked to restore the employee's s...