Trending @HCL; No promotion because I'm on maternity leave

I’ve been with HCL for 2 years now and have a total of 8 years of experience. I went on maternity leave in the first week of March. During the 2024–2025 appraisal cycle, I was informed that I wouldn't be considered for a promotion solely because I’m on maternity leave.

When I questioned this decision, stating that my performance over the past 11 months should speak for itself and that going on maternity leave for just one month of the financial year shouldn’t be a reason to withhold a promotion, my manager responded by saying that many employees leave the company after getting promoted post-maternity leave. So, according to him, they also have to be "smart" and take such decisions.

Frankly, I felt this was discriminatory and unfair.

I was told, "Let’s see once you return."