In a recent controversy involving B9 Solutions, an HR manager in Punjab was terminated from her position following a dispute over the company’s leave policy for the Raksha Bandhan festival. The incident, which has gained widespread attention on social media, highlights ongoing tensions between employee rights and corporate policies.
The HR manager, who publicly shared her experience on LinkedIn, reported being dismissed after opposing a new company rule that would impose a seven-day salary deduction for employees taking leave on Raksha Bandhan, scheduled for August 19. This policy was a departure from the usual one-day deduction, and the HR manager argued that it was unfair and contrary to labor laws.
According to screenshots of WhatsApp messages exchanged between the HR manager and her superior, Kunal Kakkar, the latter defended the policy as necessary for “team unity” and warned that dissent could lead to resignation or termination. The HR manager’s resistance to this policy, she claimed, resulted in her abrupt dismissal.
In her LinkedIn post, the HR manager described her attempt to challenge what she viewed as an unjust policy, stating, “I tried to stand up for what I believed was a violation of labor rights. Instead, I was given a termination letter and had all my access revoked immediately.” She also shared her WhatsApp conversation with Kakkar, which quickly went viral.
B9 Solutions has responded by denying the HR manager’s claims. The company issued a statement alleging that the HR manager had faced multiple warnings for various issues, including excessive phone use, neglect of duties, and attempts to manipulate management by requesting an extended leave period from August 15 to August 20. The company accused her of trying to gain sympathy by portraying herself as a victim.
Despite B9 Solutions’ defense, public opinion has largely favored the HR manager. Social media users have criticized the company’s policy as “tyranny” and expressed concern over the broader implications for employee rights and workplace conditions in India. The debate touches on the challenges of balancing professional obligations with cultural and personal commitments, particularly during significant festivals.
The situation remains fluid as discussions continue both online and within labor rights circles, highlighting ongoing issues related to employee treatment and corporate policies.
