In government service, leave is a privilege granted under specific rules, not an unlimited right. One important provision deals with what happens if an employee fails to return after the sanctioned leave period ends.
Rule 25 of CCS Leave rules 1972 on Absence after Expiry of Leave clearly explains the consequences.
No Pay Without Approved Extension
If a government servant remains absent after the end of sanctioned leave without getting an extension from the competent authority, that period will not be treated as paid leave. The rules specify that:
- The extra days will first be adjusted as half-pay leave, if any balance is available in the employee’s leave account.
- If no such leave is due, the remaining period will be treated as extraordinary leave (leave without pay).
This ensures that employees cannot continue to draw salary for unauthorized absence.
Disciplinary Action for Wilful Absence
If the absence is not accidental or due to unavoidable circumstances but is wilful and deliberate, it is considered misconduct. In such cases, the employee is liable for disciplinary proceedings, which may result in penalties depending on the severity of the case.
Why This Rule Matters
The provision balances two aspects:
- It protects the government from loss due to unauthorized absenteeism.
- It gives employees a limited cushion by adjusting available half-pay leave before marking the absence as leave without pay.
Key Takeaway
Government servants must ensure they either resume duty on time after leave or get proper approval for an extension. Failure to do so can lead not just to loss of pay but also to disciplinary action.
