Supreme Court closes IPS officer’s plea on postpartum training policy
The Supreme Court of India has disposed of a petition by an IPS officer challenging a 1993 policy that mandates a one-year training hiatus for new mothers. The court directed the officer to pursue her case in the Central Administrative Tribunal, noting that joining the current training session late would be detrimental to her progress.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing tension between rigid institutional service rules and the professional rights of working mothers in public service.
The Supreme Court of India on Friday (July 10, 2026) disposed of a petition filed by Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Urvashi Sengar on a 36-year-old policy of the Union Home Ministry, which requires new mothers like her to take a year’s postpartum break from training.
A Bench headed by Justice Manoj Misra told Ms. Sengar to pursue her pending case on the same issue in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). It directed the tribunal to decide Ms. Sengar’s case without being prejudiced by subsequent orders passed by the Delhi High Court against her. In fact, the Centre undertook to withdraw its case against her in the High Court and protect her seniority in service.
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