Srinagar, July 11 -- Srinagar- Maternity leave cannot be reduced to a matter of state charity; it is an unassailable constitutional right anchored in the dignity of women, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh observed while quashing a government communication that denied salaries to Senior Resident Doctors and Tutors during their maternity leave.

A bench of Justice Rajnesh Oswal ruled that once the Health and Medical Education Department, through Government Order dated July 8, 2024, extended maternity leave to Senior Residents and Tutors in accordance with existing Government Rules, the authorities could not subsequently deny them pay and allowances during the leave period.

"Maternity leave cannot be reduced to a matter of state...