As per case facts, a contractual Assistant Professor sought maternity benefits from Respondent Nos. 1 and 2, who denied them citing her contractual status and inapplicable service rules. Despite earlier ... assurances to the High Court, Respondents maintained their refusal. The question arose whether a contractual employee is entitled to maternity benefits under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, overriding inconsistent contractual terms and employer policy, especially considering Section 27 of the Act. Finally, the High Court held that the Petitioner met eligibility criteria under Section 5(2) and that Section 27's non-obstante clause overrides contractual terms. Relying on precedent and fundamental rights (Article 21), the Court quashed the denial and directed prompt payment of maternity benefits, emphasizing the Act's object to protect motherhood dignity.