THE MATERNITY BENEFIT ACT, 1961

ACT NO. 53 OF 1961 · Enacted [12th December, 1961.] · 33 sections

Section 1.Short title, extent and commencement.

Section 2.Application of Act.

Section 3.Definitions.

Section 4.Employment of, or work by, women prohibited during certain periods.

Section 5.Right to payment of maternity benefit.

Section 5A.Continuance of payment of maternity benefit in certain cases.

Section 5B.Payment of maternity benefit in certain cases.

Section 6.Notice of claim for maternity benefit and payment thereof.

Section 7.Payment of maternity benefit in case of death of a woman.

Section 8.Payment of medical bonus.

Section 9.Leave for miscarriage, etc.

Section 9A.Leave with wages for tubectomy operation.

Section 10.Leave for illness arising out of pregnancy, delivery, premature birth of child, miscarriage, medical termination of pregnancy or tubectomy operation.

Section 11.Nursing breaks.

Section 12.Dismissal during absence of pregnancy.

Section 13.No deduction of wages in certain cases.

Section 14.Appointment of Inspectors.

Section 15.Powers and duties of Inspectors.

Section 16.Inspectors to be public servants.

Section 17.Power of Inspector to direct payments to be made.

Section 18.Forfeiture of maternity benefits.

Section 19.Abstract of Act and rules thereunder to be exhibited.

Section 20.Registers, etc.

Section 21.Penalty for contravention of Act by employer.

Section 22.Penalty for obstructing Inspector.

Section 23.Cognizance of offences.

Section 24.Protection of action taken in good faith.

Section 25.Power of Central Government to give directions.

Section 26.Power to exempt establishments.

Section 27.Effect of laws and agreements inconsistent with this Act.

Section 28.Power to make rules.

Section 29.Amendment of Act 69 of 1951.

Section 30.Repeal.