Supreme Court closes case against IPS officer on post-natal training policy

Supreme Court of India | Photo credit: The Hindu

India’s Supreme Court on Friday (July 10, 2026) disposed of a petition filed by Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Urvashi Sengar against a 36-year-old Union Home Ministry policy that requires new mothers like her to take a one-year break from training after giving birth.

A bench headed by Justice Manoj Misra told Ms. Sengara to proceed with her pending case in the same matter at the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). It directed the tribunal to decide Ms. Sengar’s case without prejudice to the following orders passed by the Delhi High Court against her. In fact, the Center has pledged to withdraw its case against her in the High Court and protect her tenure.

Ms. Sengar gave birth to her child on September 29 last year. Although she volunteered for the required police training, which was scheduled to begin on June 22 this year, the department refused her permission, citing a Ministry Memorandum (OM) dated August 23, 1993, which stipulated a “one-year break from training after giving birth”.

The HC stayed the CAT order

Ms. Sengar challenged the OM before the CAT, which allowed her to participate in the training program. However, the government moved the Delhi High Court and stayed the CAT’s interim order.

Issuing a notice on July 8, the apex court asked government lawyers to get clear instructions on whether Ms Sengar can attend the training.

On Friday (July 10, 2026), Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik announced that a substantial portion had already been covered in the last three weeks of the nine-week training program. Mr. Kaushik indicated that it would be difficult for Ms. Sengar.

Justice Misra agreed that one-third of the session had already ended and it would only harm Ms Sengar if she joined the training so late. “It will be to your detriment if you skip all these (earlier classes) and join now,” Justice Misra said.

Published – 10 Jul 2026 21:59 IST