Facing a Sabbatical Extension Rejection: How Can I Handle This Last-Minute Dilemma?

Hello, I'm working in a public sector bank. Currently, I'm on a sabbatical leave for one year, which is going to be over on 31.12.2017, and I'm supposed to join on 01.01.2018. However, due to some personal reasons, I'm unable to join on the said date. Hence, I applied for an extension for a few more days. Initially, it was approved by the zonal office, but now, at the very last moment, the Head Office has rejected it and asked me to join on the above-mentioned date, which is difficult for me at this last hour as I'm presently abroad.

Please guide me on what to do in this situation.

You have written about how your application for the extension of your sabbatical has been turned down. Nevertheless, what is important here is to understand what you wrote in your application. Was your argument persuasive? Why did your authorities not consider an extension even for "a few days"? Did you submit the application well in advance?

At this stage, you may request a personal interview with the authority who declined the permission. The strength of your argument will determine the outcome of the meeting.

All the best!

Dinesh Divekar

Yes, I submitted my application well in advance. Since my husband was unwell, I took a sabbatical leave and flew abroad to take care of him. His health has not improved until now, which is why I have decided to return with him, and due to this, I will need some more time.

As the extension of leave is not approved, you could be treated as unauthorisedly absent from the 1st of January 2018 and the consequences will follow. Perhaps, you can approach the leave declining authority for reconsideration enclosing a copy of medical records of your husband as well as your return flight booking, explaining your constraints in detail, seeking sympathetic consideration. It needs no reiteration that leave is subject to exigencies of work and cannot be claimed as a matter of right.