The Supreme Court of India, in Dr. Kavita Yadav v. The Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Department & Ors., delivered on 17 August 2023, clarified that an eligible woman employee can receive full statutory maternity benefits even if her fixed-term employment contract expires during the maternity-benefit period.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed-term employees may be eligible for maternity benefits if they satisfy the applicable legal conditions.
• Expiry of the employment contract alone cannot be used to deny the remaining statutory maternity benefits.
• Maternity benefits do not automatically grant permanent employment or contract renewal.

Action for Employers: Employers should review their maternity-benefit policies and payroll procedures to ensure that eligible employees receive their statutory benefits.

Conclusion: Contract expiry does not, by itself, end an eligible woman employee’s right to maternity benefits. Employers should assess each claim under the applicable law.