Adoptive mothers' maternity benefit: age cap struck down

1. Question 1Answer B

   On 17 March 2026 the Supreme Court struck down which Section of the Code on Social Security, 2020 in Hamsaanandini Nanduri v Union of India?

   • ASection 60(1)
   • BCorrect answer: Section 60(4)
   • CSection 50(4)
   • DSection 64(4)

   Core Trigger: On 17 March 2026, in Hamsaanandini Nanduri v Union of India, the Supreme Court struck down Section 60(4) of the Code on Social Security, 2020.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 037, point 1

2. Question 2Answer B

   The struck provision gave adoptive mothers maternity benefit only if the child was under what age?

   • ASix months
   • BCorrect answer: Three months
   • COne year
   • DThree years

   Struck Provision: The provision gave adoptive mothers maternity benefit only if the adopted child was under three months old.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 037, point 2

3. Question 3Answer A

   The challenge in Hamsaanandini Nanduri was decided by the Supreme Court headed by whom?

   • ACorrect answer: Chief Justice of India
   • BAttorney-General of India
   • CUnion Labour Minister
   • DSolicitor General of India

   Deciding Court: The Supreme Court of India, headed by the Chief Justice of India, decided the challenge.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 037, point 3

4. Question 4Answer A

   Consider: 1. Adoptive and commissioning mothers now receive twelve weeks of benefit. 2. The benefit runs from the date of the child's birth. Which of the statements is/are correct?

   • ACorrect answer: Only 1
   • BOnly 2
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither 1 nor 2

   New Entitlement: Adoptive and commissioning mothers now receive twelve weeks of benefit from the date the child is handed over.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 037, point 4

5. Question 5Answer B

   In which year was the Maternity Benefit Act amended to cover adoptive mothers?

   • A2008
   • BCorrect answer: 2017
   • C2013
   • D2020

   Earlier Law: The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 was amended in 2017 to cover adoptive mothers.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 037, point 5

6. Question 6Answer B

   The Code on Social Security, 2020 subsumes which earlier maternity law?

   • AEmployees' State Insurance Act
   • BCorrect answer: Maternity Benefit Act
   • CEqual Remuneration Act
   • DFactories Act

   Successor Law: The Code on Social Security, 2020 subsumes the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 037, point 6

7. Question 7Answer A

   The Supreme Court that decided Hamsaanandini Nanduri v Union of India sits at which address?

   • ACorrect answer: Tilak Marg, New Delhi
   • BSansad Marg, New Delhi
   • CJanpath, New Delhi
   • DRaisina Road, New Delhi

   Venue: The Supreme Court of India sits at Tilak Marg, New Delhi.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 037, point 8

8. Question 8Answer B

   In which year did the Maternity Benefit Act come into force?

   • A1948
   • BCorrect answer: 1961
   • C1956
   • D1976

   Founded: The Maternity Benefit Act came into force in 1961.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 037, point 9

9. Question 9Answer B

   Which 2000 case extended maternity benefit to daily-wage women workers?

   • AVishaka v State of Rajasthan
   • BCorrect answer: Municipal Corporation of Delhi v Female Workers (Muster Roll)
   • CAir India v Nergesh Meerza
   • DBandhua Mukti Morcha v Union of India

   Landmark: Municipal Corporation of Delhi v Female Workers (Muster Roll) (2000): the Supreme Court extended maternity benefit to daily-wage women workers.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 037, point 10

10. Question 10Answer C

    Consider: 1. Article 14 bars unreasonable classification. 2. Article 42 directs the State to secure maternity relief. Which of the statements is/are correct?

    • AOnly 1
    • BOnly 2
    • CCorrect answer: Both 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2

    Articles: Article 14 bars unreasonable classification, Article 21 protects dignity, and Article 42 directs the State to secure just conditions and maternity relief.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 037, point 11

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