Handling Extended Leave Requests Without Written Applications: What Are Our Options?

Dear Sir, We are one of the manufacturing companies in Goa governed under the Factories Act. One of the workmen, working as an electrician, has taken 15 days of leave on a telephonic request but has not submitted a written request. He has extended the same for another 20 days. He has 75 days balance to his credit.

Leave Application Concerns

Can we accept leave without a leave application? What steps do we have to take? Can we make the leave unpaid? Can he be terminated for remaining on leave without submitting the leave application? Only his HOD has talked to him over the telephone and has told him to submit a medical certificate. However, so far, after 18 days have lapsed, he has not submitted the leave application.

Please advise.

Regards,
Santosh

Leave Application and Sanctioning Process

Any leave has to be applied for, and the same has to be sanctioned by the competent authority. You cannot take leave as a matter of right. An explanation can be sought, and disciplinary action can be initiated for not regularizing the absence.