The Supreme Court, on May 29, 2025, issued a notice to the State of Jharkhand and the Jharkhand High Court over a petition filed by a woman Additional District Judge. The judge has challenged the rejection of her request for child care leave.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih issued the notice after hearing the petition. During the proceedings, the bench questioned why the petitioner did not approach the High Court first with her plea.
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In response, the counsel representing the petitioner explained, “Since the High Court is on vacation, this matter may not be treated as urgent there.”
The petitioner, a judicial officer from the Scheduled Caste category and a single parent, had applied for child care leave from June to December. Her request was rejected without providing valid reasons.
The counsel highlighted,
“I have (the petitioner) disposed of 4660 cases in a span of 2.5 years. Single parent, my lords, belongs to the lowest strata of the society, my lords.”
Under the Child Care Leave Rules, the petitioner is entitled to a total of 730 days of child care leave. However, in this case, she was seeking only six months’ leave.
The Supreme Court bench directed the notice to be served immediately and remarked,
"Parties are put on notice that the court may dispose of the petition finally at the earliest date."
Chief Justice Gavai also emphasized,
"Serve (the notice) immediately today."
The next hearing is scheduled for next week.
Case Details : KASHIKA M PRASAD Versus STATE OF JHARKHAND AND ORS. W.P.(C) No. 554/2025
