LAW AND GOVERNANCE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF MATERNITY LEAVE
The Bombay High Court quashed a 2014 communication by the Airport Authority of India denying maternity leave to an employee with two children. Upholding the right to maternity relief, the court emphasized the employer’s duty to support working mothers.
- Legal Insights:
- Constitutional Protection: Article 42 of the Indian Constitution mandates just and humane conditions of work, including maternity relief.
- Employer’s Duty: The Airport Authority of India’s denial of maternity leave contradicted this constitutional provision and failed to recognize the physical challenges faced by pregnant employees.
Maternity Benfits in India:
- Legal Framework: Maternity benefits in India are regulated by several laws, notably the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and Article 42 of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing just and humane work conditions, including maternity relief.
- Key Provisions:
- Maternity Leave Duration: The Maternity Benefit Act entitles eligible women to 26 weeks of maternity leave, with 8 weeks preceding the expected delivery date.
- Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for maternity benefits, a woman must have worked for her employer for at least 80 days in the 12 months before her due date.
- Maternity Leave Pay: During maternity leave, employees are entitled to receive maternity leave pay, typically a percentage of their average daily wage.
- Additional Benefits: Besides leave, the Act provides for medical bonuses, nursing breaks, and the option to work from home.
- Employer Responsibilities:
- Employers must ensure a safe workplace for pregnant women and prevent discrimination based on pregnancy or maternity leave.
- Legal Safeguards:
- Maternity laws aim to protect women’s rights during pregnancy and childbirth, fostering gender equality and facilitating women’s participation in the workforce.
- Recent Update:
- The Maternity Benefit Act underwent revisions in 2019 to improve maternity benefits and workplace support for women, reflecting evolving societal needs and ensuring better maternity leave provisions.
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- Legal Perspective:
- Constitutional Emphasis: The court’s decision aligns with the constitutional rights to privacy, dignity, and bodily integrity, ensuring equitable treatment for working mothers.
- Employee Support: Upholding maternity leave rights reflects a progressive stance, acknowledging the importance of supporting women in the workforce during pregnancy and childbirth.
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Source- India Today
BJP MP FACES SEXUAL HARASSMENT CHARGES
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court orders framing of sexual harassment charges against former Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Charges are set to be framed on May 21, following allegations by six female wrestlers.
- Legal Observations:
- Legal Framework: Sections 354, 354A, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code address offenses related to assault, sexual harassment, and criminal intimidation.
- Legal Analysis:
- Victim Protection: Framing charges under these sections underscores the legal consequences for individuals accused of sexual misconduct, ensuring accountability and protection for victims.
- Legal Accountability: The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of such crimes and emphasizes the legal repercussions for those engaging in sexual harassment or intimidation.
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Source- India Today
ACQUITTALS IN DABHOLKAR MURDER CASE SPARK CRITICISM
A Pune court acquitted three accused in Dr. Narendra Dabholkar’s murder case, prompting criticism of police and CBI. Despite convictions of shooters, the mastermind remains unidentified. The court condemns attempts to justify the killing, highlighting ideological differences as motive.
- Legal Examination:
- Legal Framework: Various sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to murder, conspiracy, and criminal force are relevant in this case.
- Legal Assessment:
- Evidence Challenges: The acquittal of the accused highlights potential gaps in evidence gathering and presentation, raising questions about the effectiveness of the investigation and prosecution.
- Impartial Justice: The court’s condemnation of attempts to justify the killing based on ideological differences underscores the importance of impartiality and adherence to legal principles in criminal proceedings.
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Source- India Today
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
NATIONAL AWARD TO TEACHER
[Ministry of Education: Department of Higher Educational Institutions]
Objective:
The National Award to Teachers aims to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of faculty members in higher education, recognizing their commitment and positive impact on students’ lives. It celebrates their achievements in teaching, research, institutional service, community outreach, and innovation within higher education.
Benefits:
- Esteemed recognition and honor through a prestigious national award.
- Annual award ceremony held on 5th September.
- Each recipient receives a medal, certificate, and a cash prize of ₹50,000.
Eligibility:
- Faculty members of colleges/universities/higher educational institutions in India.
- Minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels.
- Maximum age limit of 55 years as of the application deadline.
- Vice-Chancellors/Directors/Principals are ineligible to apply.
AICTE-ISTE INDUCTION/REFRESHER PROGRAMME – (All India Council for Technical Education)
[Ministry of Education]
Objective:
The AICTE-ISTE Induction/Refresher Programme aims to enhance the professional development of teaching faculties in technical institutions. It focuses on updating knowledge, improving organizational and pedagogical skills, and acquainting teachers with modern engineering practices and technological advancements.
Benefits:
- Financial support provided to AICTE approved institutions/universities for conducting training programs.
- One-week (six working days) duration for induction and refresher training programs.
- Funding of ₹3,00,000 allocated to institutions/universities for each program.
Eligibility:
- AICTE approved institutions/university departments offering technical education.
- Coordinator must be a full-time regular faculty member with teaching and research experience.
- Maximum of two proposals per institute considered annually.
- Institute must have organized at least one self-financing program in the past 12 months.
- Processing fee of ₹1,500/- per proposal to be paid by the institute through RTGS/NEFT.
Source- myScheme
Also Read- DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (10 MAY 2024)
