Can My Public Sector Employer Reject My Resignation and Make Me Serve the Full Notice Period?

I work in the public sector since 2014. Last week, I submitted my resignation and requested to be released from my duties, giving a notice of 20 days, although we have a notice period of 3 months. Now, my competent authorities are telling me that they are not going to accept my resignation. Is it possible for the employer to reject or not accept an employee's resignation in public sector enterprises? Can an employer force an employee to serve the complete 3-month notice period after resignation? Kindly suggest.

Regards,
Saket

Sir, in my opinion, you should kindly review the terms and conditions of your employment in the PSU and consider the service conditions that apply to employees of the PSU.

In case there is a provision for a notice period, you should comply with it if your services are regular or permanent in the PSU.

Understanding Service Rules in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)

1. In public service, including services of PSUs, there is no "bond of service." However, the terms and conditions of employment are in the form of Service Rules. Therefore, everything depends upon the service rules, which are adopted and made applicable by the said PSU on its employees. In the modern setup of administration, I think nobody will take the risk of violating the service rules or terms and conditions of employment to which you must have agreed while joining the services in the said PSU. Please refer to the letter of offer of appointment, etc., on the basis of which you joined the said services.

2. In my opinion, no employee can be forced to work in any organization against their wish. However, the employee is also required to follow the service rules, etc., on the basis of which the said employment was joined by you. In case of non-compliance with service rules, and in your case, in respect of not giving notice for the minimum period as desired in service conditions, the employer/PSU can decide as may be permissible within said rules.