Maternity Benefits in Maharashtra
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Indian central (Union) law — Constitution of India, central Acts of Parliament, and Supreme Court decisions. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and High Court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Female employees are entitled to paid maternity leave and related benefits under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
- Paid leave: 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave for the first two children; 12 weeks for the third child onwards. Up to 8 weeks may be taken before the expected delivery date.
- Adoption and surrogacy: A woman who adopts a child below 3 months, or a commissioning mother using a surrogate, is entitled to 12 weeks of maternity benefit.
- Eligibility: The woman must have worked for the employer for at least 80 days in the 12 months immediately before the date of delivery.
- Nursing breaks: After returning to work, a woman with a child below 15 months is entitled to two nursing breaks per day in addition to her regular rest intervals (s. 11).
- Crèche facility: Establishments with 50 or more employees must provide a crèche (s. 11A, as amended in 2017).
- No dismissal: An employer cannot dismiss or discharge a woman during or on account of maternity absence.
When does it apply?
- You are a female employee in a factory, mine, plantation, shop, or establishment with 10 or more workers.
- You have worked for at least 80 days in the preceding 12 months.
- You are pregnant, have recently given birth, adopted, or used a surrogate.
What to Do If Your Employer in India Denies Your Maternity Benefits
- Give written notice to your employer as soon as possible, specifying the date from which you will be absent and your nominee for the benefit in case of incapacity.
- Your employer must pay maternity benefit for the pre-delivery period before you go on leave and the rest within 48 hours of delivery (s. 6).
- If your employer denies leave or benefit, file a complaint with the Inspector appointed under the Maternity Benefit Act in your district — the Inspector has powers to examine records and direct compliance.
- Criminal complaints for wilful non-compliance can result in imprisonment up to 1 year and/or a fine (s. 21).
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work during the 6-week period immediately following delivery — it is illegal for the employer to knowingly allow this (s. 4), and it can harm your health.
- Do not sign any agreement waiving your maternity benefit entitlement — such an agreement is void (s. 27).
- Do not forget to claim the ₹3,500 medical bonus (s. 8) if no prenatal or postnatal care is provided by the employer.
How Maharashtra differs from central law
Maharashtra follows the central Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (as amended in 2017), which provides 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for the first two children and 12 weeks for subsequent children. However, the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017 extends maternity protections to women working in shops and commercial establishments, ensuring broader coverage than many other states.
Under the 2017 Act, every establishment with 50 or more employees must provide a creche facility within a prescribed distance. The Maharashtra state government has issued specific rules on creche standards. Additionally, the Bombay High Court has issued important rulings protecting women from being terminated or discriminated against during pregnancy or maternity leave.
Additional Steps in Maharashtra
If your employer denies maternity benefits, file a complaint with the Inspector under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017, or the Labour Commissioner's office in your district. Working women can also approach the Maharashtra State Women's Commission at mscw.maharashtra.gov.in.
Relevant Law: Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, Sections 5 and 5A; Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017, Section 26
Common Questions
When does maternity benefits apply?
You are a female employee in a factory, mine, plantation, shop, or establishment with 10 or more workers.You have worked for at least 80 days in the preceding 12 months.You are pregnant, have recently given birth, adopted, or used a surrogate.
What should I do if my employer in India denies me maternity leave or maternity pay?
Give written notice to your employer as soon as possible, specifying the date from which you will be absent and your nominee for the benefit in case of incapacity.Your employer must pay maternity benefit for the pre-delivery period before you go on leave and the rest within 48 hours of delivery (s. 6).If your employer denies leave or benefit, file a complaint with the Inspector appointed under the Maternity Benefit Act in your district — the Inspector has powers to examine records and direct compliance.Criminal complaints for wilful non-compliance can result in imprisonment up to 1 year and/or...
What mistakes should I avoid with maternity benefits?
Do not work during the 6-week period immediately following delivery — it is illegal for the employer to knowingly allow this (s. 4), and it can harm your health.Do not sign any agreement waiving your maternity benefit entitlement — such an agreement is void (s. 27).Do not forget to claim the ₹3,500 medical bonus (s. 8) if no prenatal or postnatal care is provided by the employer.
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