The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 is a cornerstone legislation in India that protects the maternity rights of women employees while ensuring workplace compliance and welfare. This book presents the full text of the Act with detailed commentary, elucidating provisions related to eligibility, maternity leave, payment of benefits, work conditions, and employer responsibilities.

It systematically covers key aspects such as duration of maternity leave, computation of wages, prohibition of dismissal during pregnancy, nursing breaks, and obligations of employers for maintaining records. The commentary also addresses amendments, compliance challenges, and practical applications in various industrial and corporate settings.

Structured for clarity and practical use, this book is an indispensable resource for legal practitioners, HR professionals, labour inspectors, corporate managers, and students of labour and industrial law. It combines statutory interpretation with real-world examples, facilitating both professional application and academic study.

By offering a comprehensive analysis of maternity rights, workplace protections, and enforcement mechanisms, the publication equips readers to ensure legal compliance, advocate for women employees, and understand the broader social and labour policy context.