Historic Settlement Before ALC (Central), Mumbai: Medical Board to Replace Bank Doctor in Doubtful Cases
Mumbai | 24 February 2026
In a significant development for officers of Bank of Baroda, the All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Union (AIBOBOU), affiliated to All India Bank Officers’ Association, has secured a settlement before the Assistant Labour Commissioner (Central), Mumbai that reshapes the medical verification process for officers.
Key Outcome of the Settlement
Under the terms recorded before the ALC (Central), Mumbai:
The Bank has agreed not to compel officers to undergo examination by the Bank’s empanelled doctor when a valid medical certificate has been produced.
In cases where there is doubt, the matter may be referred to an independent Medical Board for review.
The dispute has been formally closed as settled.
The settlement was signed by representatives of the Union and Bank Management and recorded by the Assistant Labour Commissioner (Central), Government of India, Mumbai.
Background of the Dispute
The issue arose after instances where officers were directed to undergo medical examination by the Bank’s empanelled doctors despite submitting medical certificates from qualified practitioners.
The Union challenged this practice on the grounds that:
It violated principles of natural justice.
It undermined the validity of legitimate medical certificates.
It amounted to unilateral administrative overreach.
The matter was escalated to the ALC (Central), Mumbai, where structured conciliation proceedings were held.
Proceedings Before ALC (C), Mumbai
During the hearing on 24.02.2026:
Management submitted that in a specific case, the Medical Board had recommended six weeks’ rest.
It was also noted that the concerned officer had approached the High Court and later rejoined duty.
The Union clarified that the broader issue concerned policy and procedure, not merely an individual dispute.
The resulting settlement establishes a clear procedural safeguard for officers going forward.
Why This Settlement Matters
1. Reinforces Natural Justice
The decision affirms that valid medical certificates cannot be casually disregarded.
2. Protects Officers’ Dignity
Medical leave is recognized as a legitimate service right and not subject to arbitrary suspicion.
3. Sets a Policy Precedent
The agreement provides guidance for handling similar cases across zones, strengthening procedural fairness.
4. Strengthens Bipartite Traditions
The outcome underscores the role of structured trade union representation in resolving service-condition disputes within public sector banking.
Broader Impact
The settlement is being described by union representatives as a landmark in safeguarding service conditions and ensuring independent medical review mechanisms.
For officers across scales and zones, the agreement clarifies that:
Employer-engaged doctors cannot override medical certificates without due process.
Independent Medical Board review is the appropriate mechanism in doubtful cases.
This development marks an important chapter in ongoing efforts to reinforce rule-based governance and fair procedure within public sector banks.