HC rules in favour of pregnant woman aspiring for cop's post

The Madras High Court bench here has said if a pregnant woman took 30 seconds extra time during the running test for the selection of Grade-II constable, the timing should be considered negligible and she should have been selected.

Justice S Vimala, allowing a petition of R Devika, said that according to norms, the petitioner had to qualify 100 metres running event by completing the run within 17.50 seconds. But the petitioner took .30 seconds extra, and was declared unsuccessful in the physical efficiency test.

This was objectionable, the judge said.

The participation by the petitioner in a running test itself is a sign of courage, as persons similarly placed would be afraid of a miscarriage, she said.

This aspect, though not a factor to be considered in the test, is the overall factor to be considered for selection to the post of the constable, the judge said.

Besides, the respondents were directed to take into account the constitutional provisions of India and the maternity ...