The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the Jharkhand High Court's response to a plea filed by an additional district judge from the State, who has approached the Supreme Court challenging the refusal to grant her child care leave.

The Court was earlier informed that the petitioner-judge is a single parent.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih today issued notice in the matter and sought a response from the Jharkhand High Court.

"(Notice) returnable in one week. Liberty to serve standing counsel of Jharkhand. Let the High Court be served through email. Parties are put on notice and we shall dispose it of on the next date," the Court ordered.

The petitioner-judge's counsel highlighted that the judge's service records show that she has been proficient in her duties.

"Please see her Annual Confidential Records. She was fantastic ... she sought 6 months child care leave. High Court allows 730 days," the counsel said.

The bench today also asked the counsel why the judge had not first approached the Jharkhand High Court on the judicial side for relief, instead of directly approaching the Supreme Court. The counsel replied that the petitioner is seeking urgent relief and the matter is not considered as urgent as per High Court rules and would be listed only after the summer vacation.

The top court then proceeded to issue notice and added that it would decide the matter by the next hearing date.