SC Extends Maternity Benefits for All Adoptive Mothers
Why focus: Strikes down Social Security Code Sec 60(4). High probability for Assertion-Reason on Article 14 classification and maternity leave rules.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
- ▶
BEFORE: Adoptive mothers were entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave only if the adopted child was under three months old. NOW: All adoptive mothers are entitled to the 12-week maternity leave, irrespective of the adopted child's age.
- ▶
BEFORE: Section 60(4) of the Code on Social Security, 2020 created a legal distinction between mothers adopting infants and those adopting older children. NOW: This classification has been struck down as unconstitutional, ensuring equal treatment for all adoptive mothers under Article 14.
- ▶
BEFORE: The law implicitly overlooked the bonding time needed for older adopted children, prioritizing infant care. NOW: The law recognizes the universal need for mother-child bonding and care upon adoption, aligning with the reproductive autonomy and right to life under Article 21.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Supreme Court judgment on maternity benefits for adoptive mothers? 1. The Supreme Court struck down Section 60(4) of the Code on Social Security, 2020 for violating Articles 14 and 21. 2. The judgment mandates 26 weeks of maternity leave for all adoptive mothers, matching the benefit given to biological mothers.