Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the legal framework of maternity benefits in India?
1. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, provides 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for the first two children and 12 weeks for a third child.
2. The Supreme Court ruled in 2025 that state service rules can absolutely deny maternity leave for a third child to promote population control.

Question

Accepted Answer

A - 1 only — Statement 1 is correct as the 2017 amendment allows 12 weeks of leave for a third child. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Supreme Court ruled in May 2025 that absolute denial of maternity leave for a third child violates constitutional rights to reproductive freedom and dignity.

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