AIBOBOU Issues Strong Circular on Leave Harassment: Officers’ Rights, Dignity & Remedies Reaffirmed
The All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Union (AIBOBOU) has released an important circular addressing a growing issue across branches and administrative units: systematic harassment and pressure tactics faced by officers while applying for or availing statutory leave.
This circular serves as a reminder of officers’ legal, constitutional and human rights, and lays out clear Union-mandated steps every officer must follow when confronted with coercion or disrespect.
Why This Circular Was Needed?
Reports from across regions reveal that many officers are being:
pressured to cancel or withdraw leave,
humiliated while applying for leave,
threatened with consequences for seeking medical or personal leave, and
forced to attend duty despite illness or family emergencies.
AIBOBOU has categorically stated that such practices are illegal, arbitrary, undignified and wholly unacceptable.
1. Leave Is a Statutory Right — Not a Favour
The Bank of Baroda (Officers’) Service Regulations, 1979 make it clear:
Leave is a statutory entitlement. It cannot be denied at someone’s personal discretion.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that earned leave, once accrued, is a legal right and cannot be refused arbitrarily.
Therefore:
Targets, audits, campaigns or staff shortages cannot be cited as reasons to deny leave.
Officers cannot be penalised or humiliated for applying for leave.
No one can compel an officer to work when unwell or during emergencies.
2. Constitutional Protections Apply
The circular strongly reminds officers that the right to leave is supported by fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 21 and 23 of the Constitution, which protect:
Equality and non-arbitrariness
Dignity of the individual
Right to privacy and health
Protection from coercive treatment
No internal circular or instruction can override these constitutional safeguards.
3. What Leave Cannot Be Denied For
AIBOBOU clearly states that “operational reasons” alone are NOT legally valid grounds for denial. These include:
CASA/business targets
Audits or inspections
Festivals or campaign periods
Staff shortages
Month-end pressures
Administrative convenience does not outweigh statutory rights.
4. Types of Leave You Are Entitled To
The circular reiterates officers’ entitlements under Regulations 63–77:
Earned Leave
Casual Leave
Sick Leave (cannot be denied when supported by medical advice)
Special Leaves – maternity, paternity, bereavement, hospitalisation and others
Leave can only be withheld for recorded, reasonable and legally sustainable reasons.
5. Officers’ Dignity Is Non-Negotiable
AIBOBOU identifies specific acts that violate officers’ dignity and are actionable:
Humiliating or insulting officers
Speaking harshly or threatening consequences
Forcing attendance when medically unfit
Calling late at night to interrogate leave applications
Dignity, respect and humane treatment are guaranteed rights.
6. Union Guidelines: What Officers Must Do If Harassed
The circular lays out a step-by-step response mechanism:
A. Maintain Written Records
Always apply through HRMS/email and retain screenshots or rejection notes. Record dates, times, names and exact remarks if verbal harassment occurs.
B. Demand Written Reasons
Calmly request refusal in writing. Harassment usually stops when accountability is required.
C. Stay Composed, Don’t Argue
Avoid emotional reactions. Document the incident and escalate.
D. Inform the Union Within 24 Hours
Report to Regional/Zonal Secretary or General Secretary. Include evidence, dates, screenshots and witness details.
E. Use Medical Leave Confidently
You cannot be forced to attend duty if a doctor has advised rest.
F. Do Not Withdraw Leave Under Pressure
Forced withdrawal is legally invalid. Keep the trail intact.
G. File a Written Complaint for Severe Harassment
Send a written complaint to Zonal HR/Regional Head, marking the Union. The Union will escalate to ED(HRM), CLC(C), DFS or legal forums if required.
7. AIBOBOU’s Clear Stand: Zero Tolerance
The Union firmly declares:
Leave is a right, not a privilege.
Officers’ health and family come first.
Any disrespect or coercion will be taken up strongly.
The Union will fight every case until corrective action is ensured.
8. Officers Should Avail Leave Without Fear
Leave exists for health, rest, mental well-being and family responsibilities. No officer should feel guilty or intimidated when utilising legitimate leave.
Conclusion
AIBOBOU has made its position unambiguous:
Dignity, respect and statutory rights of officers are non-negotiable.
Officers are urged to report any form of leave-based harassment immediately.
The Union will stand by every officer — fully, firmly and fearlessly — until such practices are eliminated across the Bank.