Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Delhi High Court Bars Maternity-Based Demotion and Workplace Disadvantage
Rakhi Bisht worked as an accounting manager at HashiCorp.
She took maternity leave and returned to work in July 2024.
When she came back, she was given treasury duties usually performed by a much more junior employee.
Bisht said the new work did not match her experience or qualifications.
She resigned and asked the Delhi High Court for help.
The court said having a baby or taking maternity leave cannot be used as a reason to lower someone’s position.
It said workers should usually return to their old jobs or receive an equivalent role.
HashiCorp must pay Bisht compensation and legal costs.
The order also called for stronger rules to protect people during pregnancy and after maternity leave.
The Delhi High Court awarded chartered accountant Rakhi Bisht Rs 10 lakh after she returned from maternity leave to substantially lower-level duties at HashiCorp.
Bisht had worked as an accounting manager earning Rs 2.6 lakh monthly before being assigned clerical treasury duties roughly three levels below her designation.
Justice Sachin Datta said pregnancy and maternity cannot justify professional disadvantage, demotion, loss of status or blocked career advancement.
The court said returning employees should normally regain their previous post or receive an equivalent role in pay, grade, status, responsibilities and promotion prospects.
HashiCorp was ordered to pay Rs 1.5 lakh in legal costs, while the order also called for rules covering workplace accommodation, reintegration, lactation support, crèches and grievance handling; reports differed on whether the compliance direction primarily addressed HashiCorp or the Centre.
- Who
- Rakhi Bisht, HashiCorp and the Delhi High Court; Justice Sachin Datta issued the order.
- What
- The court awarded Bisht Rs 10 lakh, ordered Rs 1.5 lakh in legal costs, and set standards for protecting employees returning from maternity leave.
- When
- Bisht joined HashiCorp in June 2022, took maternity leave in December 2023, returned in July 2024, resigned in October 2024, and received the order dated August 31.
- Where
- The case was decided by the Delhi High Court, concerning Bisht’s employment at HashiCorp.
- Why
- The court said maternity-related professional disadvantage would undermine statutory protections and constitutional commitments to equality, dignity, social justice and humane working conditions.
- Employee
- Rakhi Bisht, a chartered accountant
- Employer
- HashiCorp, a private software company
- Previous role
- Accounting manager
- Monthly salary
- Rs 2.6 lakh
- Post-leave assignment
- Clerical treasury duties associated with a staff-accountant-level role
- Compensation
- Rs 10 lakh
- Legal costs
- Rs 1.5 lakh
- Compliance timeline
- Six months for the required rules, schemes or directions
