Maternity leave - expected date falls after 80 days of service but the delivery occurs early?

If the expected date falls after 80 days of service but the delivery occurs early due to some emergency, would the person still be eligible for maternity benefit?

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The employee is not eligible for MB as she failed to comply with the norms i.e. did not put the minimum working of 80 days.

Hi Everyone,
ready to advise on any problem of IR/HR, you all are always welcome.
Shrikant.
9423376641

I attempt at a slightly different view.The Act says the woman shall actually work for 80 days in 12 months preceding the expected date of delivery.The expected date of delivery is what a doctor determines on certain medical factors. The usage of the very phase "expected date of delivery" implies that it is tentative or provisional and the delivery may happen either before or beyond that date. Therefore the "expected date of delivery" remains the same for the purpose of the Act though the delivery happens in advance of it or beyond it.This is to avoid the contingencies of sanction or withdrawing benefits on the basis of the actual date of delivery which is little uncertain and subjecting woman to an anxious moments. Secondly the Maternity benefit Act is a welfare legislation and shall advance the cause of women welfare and therefore shall admit liberal interpretation that is beneficial to women. Other views welcome.
B.Saikumar
Navi Mumbai