Dear Madam,
What is Performance Appraisal? An employee who has performed satisfactorily during the appraisal period. Here, this lady has worked hard for only 3 months and still expects a salary hike. I think nowadays employees are considering organizations as Charitable Trusts where they can expect favors or donations. One has to consider their contribution to the organization first and then expect a reward.
When there was a 12-week maternity leave, a 1-month extension was permissible on medical grounds with a doctor's certification or recommendation. Now, with an amendment of 6 months maternity leave, people are still having problems. Rules are made to meet the justified demands of workers or the public, which we should respect. Then, we should think in that direction so that no one will become dissatisfied. Please note that I have no intention to hurt anyone's feelings; this is my personal opinion.
(At our homes, when a maid servant asks for a salary hike or a bonus during Diwali, we look for another person to replace her because it bothers us, but this is not applicable to the company.)
Regards, Suresh