JUDGMENT

Dated this the 1st day of December, 2022 This writ petition is filed seeking the following prayers:

“(i) call for the records leading to the passing of Ext.P5 by the 3rd respondent and quash the same by the issue of a writ of certiorari or other appropriate writ, order or direction in so far as the same relates to the sanction of leave without allowance.

(ii) issue a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the 3rd respondent to consider Ext.P3 application for maternity leave and sanction the same forthwith taking into account the dictum laid down by the Honorable Supreme Court as well as this Honorable Court.

(iii) issue a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider on merits Ext.P4 representation and pass appropriate orders thereon expeditiously after affording to the petitioner a reasonable opportunity of being heard”

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader.

3. It is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner was appointed as Public Relations Officer in the District Health and Family Welfare Society, Kottayam on 27.08.2008 on contract basis. The contract was being renewed from