Dear Madam,
In matters of leaves, its entitlement, eligibility and when an employee can avail them are distinctly different matters but are interconnected.
Some Acts like Factories Act, State Shops Act, Maternity Benefit Act prescribe entitlement of privilege leave , Maternity Leave following and in case of Maharashtra Shops Act also Casual Leave.
Year for the purposes of statutory PL is calendar year.
In case of probationer, though leave is accrued to him/her, company's follow different practices. Some grant pro-rata leaves(PL,CL and SL) on confirmation. Some grant PL only after completion of one year's service.
The rate and quantum of leave is prescribed under above laws which are Minimum and employer is free to better it.
But availing of leave is left yo the policy except in case of ML. Rest of other leaves, it is after confirmation or one year's service.
Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR- Consultant