Why maternity benefit act not applicable to ad-hoc staff: Delhi HC asks DU

New Delhi: The Delhi high court on Wednesday questioned why the Maternity Benefit Act would not be applicable to the ad-hoc employees of the Delhi University (DU) when it was applicable to contract labourers of any establishment or government undertaking.

The query by Justice Suresh Kait was posed to the DU while issuing notice to the Centre, the university and the Aurobindo College here, seeking their stand on a female ad-hoc professor's plea alleging that she was denied maternity leave as she was not a permanent employee.

"If it (the Act) is applicable to any shop or establishment or government undertaking or government institution, then why not to the university is the question," the court said.

It further asked, "Why not applicable to ad-hoc when it (the act) is applicable to contract labourers?" The court listed the matter for further hearing on August 5 last year. During the brief hearing, the college said the professor's application for maternity leave was forwarded to the DU and a response was awaited.

It also told the court that the petitioner had not contended that the Act was applicable to the college or the university.

The lawyer representing the DU told the court that there were no rules or regulations in the university to provide maternity benefit to ad-hoc employees. The woman, in her plea, has contended that under the Maternity Benefit Act, she is entitled to six months' leave, but the university did not grant her the relief as she was not a permanent employee and was employed on ad-hoc basis.