Maternity Law and Maternity Act - resignation post leave - processed full and final

Hi, I was working for a company since 2018. In March 2022 I started my maternity leave which was to be ended in August. Due to some reasons I was not able to continue my job, I resigned on 5th August mentioning that I will be available for the handover and training of my replacement but my employer did not accept my notice and processed my full and final whereas till 31 August I am on ML. They have refused to pay me anything. Whereas they kept giving me somework during maternity leave and kept calling to know when I could join full time. I would like to know what action can I take or if I am eligible to get a full maternity leave payment for August or not.

You are entitled to maternity benefits till the last day of the benefit period. You can tell them that the proposed action is in violation of the Maternity Benefit Act 1961 and could pose problems to them if it comes to the knowledge of labour authorities. If they are unmindful of this, write to the Labour Officer of the local area and they will have no option but to pay as per law.