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PNB Leave Row: WhatsApp Status Sparks Debate on Free Speech vs Workplace Protocol
A Punjab National Bank Br Manager in Delhi was suspended following a social media post expressing dissatisfaction with a casual leave denial. This incident highlights ongoing discussions about the boundaries of personal expression in the workplace and the consequences of sharing workplace-related concerns publicly.
Author: Kalyani Mali
Published: April 29, 2025
Employee expression on social media has increasingly become a sensitive matter for organizations. In a recent case involving Punjab National Bank (PNB), a Branch Manager faced disciplinary action after posting a casual remark about leave denial on WhatsApp status. This incident highlights the growing tension between individual expression and organizational discipline.
How the Controversy Began
On April 9, 2025, the Branch Manager posted a WhatsApp status expressing frustration over being denied casual leave for one day, ending with the phrase "Why this kolaveri de?". Although informal, the post was interpreted by PNB authorities as a violation of internal codes.
Image: Screenshot showing the Branch Manager's WhatsApp status mentioning casual leave denial.
Courtesy: WeBankers.
PNB’s Response and Disciplinary Measures
The Human Resources Department initiated disciplinary proceedings, stating that the post violated PNB’s Social Media Policy. The bank’s policy strictly prohibits employees from criticizing or discrediting the institution through any public or semi-public forum, including private social media accounts.
Image: HR Department Notice to Employee
Courtesy: WeBankers.
The Manager’s Clarification
Responding to the notice, the Branch Manager explained that the WhatsApp status was a harmless expression without any intention to harm the reputation of the bank. The explanation emphasized that the post reflected a concern related to staff welfare and was not intended to violate the organizational guidelines.
Image: Employee's Explanation Letter
Courtesy: WeBankers.
Final Suspension Order Issued
Despite the explanation, PNB issued a suspension order on April 25, 2025. The Manager has been placed under suspension until further inquiry and must remain at the registered address as per HR instructions.
Image: PNB's suspension order issued to Branch Manager citing policy violation.
Courtesy: WeBankers.
Concerns Raised
While speaking to Kanal, a representative of “WeBankers” said, "bank managements are pressuring branch staff to meet targets at any cost, leading to legitimate leave requests being frequently denied due to staff shortages."
He further added, Br officials, dealing with severe staff shortages, often face rejection or denial of legitimate leave requests by controlling offices. Even putting a “sad status” in WhatsApp is also leading to Suspension of Branch Managers. It is a clear cut violation of “Right to Privacy” & “Right To Free Speech”. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) & Finance Minister should intervene in the matter to stop such “Terror Banking”, that harms employees and compromises ethical standards. But unfortunately the Government is silently supporting these actions of Top Managements.
He further remarked “Everyday bankers are going through enormous stress and rise in banker suicide is on all time high.”
This incident reflects how critical it has become for employees to be cautious about online expressions. It also raises broader questions about the balance between corporate compliance and employees' freedom of expression. As banks tighten their digital policies, employees must stay informed and tread carefully to avoid unintended consequences.
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