Kakali Ghosh vs Chief Secy. A & N Administration & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of Rule 43-C of the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, concerning Child Care Leave (CCL). The Court held that CCL cannot be claimed as a right and must be granted in accordance with the conditions specified in the rule, which allows for a maximum of three spells in a calendar year, rather than a continuous period of 730 days. The Court upheld the High Court's decision that the competent authority has discretion over the granting of CCL, emphasizing the need to balance public service exigencies with personal needs.