New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday held that a woman employee of the central government can get uninterrupted leave for two years for childcare, which also includes needs like examination and sickness.
It set aside a Calcutta High Court order, which held that Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules do not permit uninterrupted childcare leave (CCL) for 2 years, or 730 days.
A bench of justices S J Mukhopadhaya and V Gopala Gowda set aside an order of the Calcutta HC which had held that the central civil services (leave) rules did not permit uninterrupted CCL (childcare leave) for 730 days.
"On perusal of circulars and Rule 43-C , it is apparent that a woman government employee having minor children can avail CCL for a maximum period of 730 days i.e. during the entire service period for taking care of upto two children," it said.
The court passed the order on a petition filed by one Kakali Ghosh challenging the government's decision not to grant her leave of 730 days for helping her son prepare for examinations.
She first approached the Calcutta Central Administrative Tribunal, which ruled in her favour. However, the high court reversed the order. She then moved the apex court.
