---
title: "Article 42: Just Work Conditions & Maternity Relief"
description: "Article 42 ensures just and humane working conditions and maternity relief in India, making it essential for UPSC candidates and policy researchers."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/article-42-maternity-relief"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Article 42 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.
- Is Article 42 enforceable in a court of law?
- How does Article 42 differ from Article 43 of the Constitution?
- Which laws implement the maternity-relief clause of Article 42?
- What did the 2017 amendment to maternity law change?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Article 42 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.

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## Timeline

1. 26 November 1949

   Article 42 appears in Part IV of the Constitution of India, the chapter on the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which the Constituent Assembly ad…

2. 26 January 1950

   Article 42 appears in Part IV of the Constitution of India, the chapter on the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which the Constituent Assembly ad…

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Example

In Municipal Corporation of Delhi v. Female Workers (2000), the Supreme Court invoked Article 42 to extend maternity benefit to daily-wage muster-roll women workers employed by the corporation.

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