M.R.Leniya v. Dr.P.Senthilkumar, Ias., And 3 Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 13-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE C.V. KARTHIKEYAN M.R.Leniya W/o. P.Santhakumar, No.20, Gollar Street, Alangayam, Vaniyambadi Taluk, Thirupatur District - 635 701.

..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. Dr.P.Senthilkumar, IAS., and 3 others The Principal Secretary to Government Health and Family Welfare Department, Secretariat, Chennai-09.

2. D.K.Chitra, The Director, Health Services (DMS) No.359, Anna Salai, DMS Complex, Teynampet, Chennai-09.

3. A.Somasundaram, The Director Directorate of Public Health And Preventive Medicine (DPHS) No.359, Anna Salai, DMS Complex, Teynampet, Chennai-06

4. L.Parthasarathy, The Director Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital, Guindy, Chennai-032.

..Contemnor(s) Contempt Petition filed under Section 11 of Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 to punish the Respondents herein for their willful disobedience to its order in W.P.No. 9164 of 2025 dated 24.03.2024 passed by this Court

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.C.Rajaguru For Contemnor(s):

Mr.Bindran Addl Government Pleader

ORDER

A Government Order had been passed in G.O.Ms.No.81, Health and Family Welfare (AA1) Department dated 05.03.2026 consequent to the directions of this Court to sanction maternity leave benefits to those who have availed the leave on Loss of Pay from the date of delivery of baby. By the above Government Order, the said leave would be a leave with salary for a maximum 26 weeks according to the Maternity Benefit Act,1961.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner states that the period should be extended from 26 weeks to a period of one year as is granted by the Government for other employees. The petitioner may take up that cause, if so advised independently.

3. This Court places its deep appreciation for the efforts taken by the learned Additional Government Pleader in making the Government recognize the requirements of the petitioner and others like the petitioner and granting maternity leave benefit to them by passing the above Government Order.

4. Accordingly, this contempt petition stands closed. 13-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order gpa

To

1. The Principal Secretary To Government Health and Family Welfare Department, Secretariat, Chennai-09.

2. The Director Health Services (DMS), No.359, Anna Salai, Dms Complex , Teynampet, Chennai-06.

3. The Director Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPHS), No.359, Anna Salai, DMS Complex, Teynampet, Chennai-06.

4. The Director, Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital, Guindy, Chennai-032.

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.

GPA 13-03-2026