High Court upholds dismissal of software technician for unauthorized absence, stating maternity leave cannot be used as a shield for prolonged absence

The High Court upheld the dismissal of a software technician from service, clarifying that maternity leave cannot be used as a shield for prolonged unauthorized absence. The single-judge bench, presided over by Justice M. Nagaprashanna, dismissed the writ petition filed by Monika (36) in the Bengaluru Rural District Principal Court. The court stated that 'it is not possible to permanently stay away from government job responsibilities by continuing the mother's leave.'