Supreme Court Seeks Jharkhand Govt & HC Response On Woman District Judge's Plea For Child Care Leave

The Supreme Court today (May 29) issued notice to the State of Jharkhand and the Jharkhand High Court in a plea by a lady Additional District Judge challenging the rejection of her childcare leave.

The bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih, while issuing notice in the petition, inquired why the petitioner did not move directly to the High Court first. 

To which, the Counsel for the petitioner replied that during the vacation period of the High Court, the present matter may not be treated as urgent. 

The petitioner, who is a judicial officer from the Scheduled Caste Category and a single parent, had sought a child care leave from June -December, which was rejected without giving her any valid reasons. 

The Counsel added, "I have (petitioner) disposed of 4660 cases in a span of 2.5 years. Single parent,mylords, belongs to the lowest strata of the society, mylords" 

As per the Child Care Rules, the petitioner is entitled to 730 days of leave; presently, she is seeking a leave of 6 months. 

The bench directed that the notice be served to the respondents and stated that "Parties are put on notice that the court may dispose of the petition finally at the earliest date" 

CJI further said, "Serve (the notice) immediately today." 

The matter will be heard next week. 

Case Details : KASHIKA M PRASAD Versus STATE OF JHARKHAND AND ORS. W.P.(C) No. 554/2025