Sandeep Patil raises a serious complaint against AU Small Finance Bank after its merger with Fincare. Employees allegedly downgraded, terminated, and denied relieving letters, leaving careers and livelihoods at risk.
Complaint Summary Table : Sandeep Patil Raises Complaint Against AU Small Finance Bank: Employee Downgraded, Fired Without Relieving Papers
| Complainant Name | Sandeep Patil |
|---|---|
| Brand Involved | AU Small Finance Bank (Post Fincare Merger) |
| Location | India |
| Nature of Complaint | Job Downgrading, Termination & No Relieving Papers |
| Key Issue | Employees downgraded after merger, fired, and denied proper HR response |
| Original Post URL | Complaint originally posted on LinkedIn |
Detailed Complaint Write-Up
Bank mergers are often presented as strategic moves to strengthen financial institutions. However, for employees, mergers can sometimes bring unexpected hardships. Such is the case of Sandeep Patil, who has raised serious concerns about AU Small Finance Bank’s treatment of employees post its merger with Fincare Small Finance Bank.
Details of the Complaint
According to Sandeep Patil, the merger has had devastating effects on staff morale and livelihoods.
- Employees were reportedly downgraded from their existing positions.
- Many employees were subsequently terminated without proper justification.
- Despite waiting for more than 45 days, Sandeep Patil has not received any relieving papers.
- HR departments allegedly remain unresponsive, worsening the distress of affected employees.
This lack of communication and fairness has left employees jobless and financially vulnerable.
Employee Impact
The absence of relieving letters and full & final settlements has far-reaching consequences:
- Employees cannot join new organizations without proper exit documentation.
- Career progression is blocked due to lack of official clearance.
- Families dependent on salaries face financial struggles.
For Sandeep Patil, months of unemployment have raised the critical question: “Who will bear responsibility for the losses employees are facing due to unfair practices?”
Legal & Ethical Concerns
The actions described may constitute violations of Indian labor and employment laws:
- Termination without proper notice goes against the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
- Failure to provide relieving letters breaches standard HR and contractual obligations.
- Ignoring employee grievances highlights a severe lapse in corporate governance and ethical responsibility.
If unresolved, such cases can attract regulatory scrutiny, legal challenges, and reputational damage for AU Small Finance Bank.
Conclusion
This complaint highlights how corporate mergers, if mishandled, can devastate employee trust and financial security. AU Small Finance Bank must urgently resolve these issues, ensure transparency, and uphold employee rights to avoid long-term reputational harm.
Author Section
About the Complainant:
Sandeep Patil is a professional who worked with Fincare Small Finance Bank, later merged into AU Small Finance Bank. After the merger, he alleges being downgraded, terminated, and denied relieving papers, leaving him jobless for months.
Brand Involved Section
The brand involved in this complaint is AU Small Finance Bank, led by Sanjay Agarwal (MD & CEO). Post its merger with Fincare Small Finance Bank, multiple employees have reportedly faced issues of termination, downgrading, and lack of HR support.
Choice4Voice.com Section
At Choice4Voice.com, we amplify genuine consumer and employee complaints that remain unresolved. Our goal is to make companies accountable for their actions.
If you are facing similar workplace issues — including withheld salaries, delayed relieving letters, or unfair terminations — you can:
- Submit your complaint here: Submit Your Complaint
- Tag Choice4Voice.com on LinkedIn to ensure visibility and pressure for quick resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why are employees facing problems after the AU Small Finance Bank–Fincare merger?
Many employees allege downgrading, sudden terminations, and lack of HR response after the merger. - What happens if an employee is terminated without a relieving letter?
Without a relieving letter, employees cannot smoothly transition to new jobs, blocking career opportunities. - Is it legal for companies to delay relieving letters beyond 45 days?
No. Relieving letters and final settlements must be issued within a reasonable timeframe, usually 30–45 days. - Can an employer terminate staff after a merger without justification?
No. Indian labor laws require valid reasons and due process before termination. - What legal remedies do employees have if terminated unfairly?
Employees can approach the Labour Commissioner, file a case in the Labour Court, or seek remedies under the Industrial Disputes Act. - Does downgrading employees after a merger count as unfair labor practice?
Yes. Sudden downgrading without consent or compensation adjustment is considered exploitative. - Who is responsible for employee rights in a bank merger?
The acquiring company (AU Small Finance Bank in this case) is responsible for honoring employee contracts and rights. - Can AU Small Finance Bank face penalties for ignoring employee grievances?
Yes. Regulatory authorities can impose fines and order corrective actions. - How long can an employee remain jobless without relieving papers?
It varies, but many companies refuse to onboard employees without official clearance, leading to long unemployment periods. - What documents should employees collect during termination?
Resignation acceptance, relieving letter, full & final settlement, and experience certificate. - Can employees sue for compensation in such cases?
Yes. Employees can demand unpaid wages, compensation for stress, and damages. - What if HR refuses to reply to repeated follow-ups?
Employees can escalate to higher management or approach labor authorities. - How can Choice4Voice.com help employees in such cases?
By highlighting complaints on public platforms, we create pressure on companies to act. - Can employees come together to file a collective complaint?
Yes. Collective action carries more weight and increases chances of resolution. - Is termination after merger a common issue?
Yes. In India, mergers often lead to restructuring, but ethical companies ensure fair treatment and compensation. - Can delay in relieving letter affect background verification?
Yes. Most companies require official clearance, and delay creates hurdles in joining. - What is AU Small Finance Bank’s responsibility post-merger?
To protect employee rights, provide transparent communication, and ensure smooth transition. - What is the role of the Labour Commissioner in such disputes?
The Labour Commissioner can mediate, direct reinstatement, or order compensation. - Can I file a case if my termination caused financial losses?
Yes. Employees can claim financial damages caused due to loss of income. - Why should employees document everything during disputes?
Keeping emails, offer letters, and follow-ups serves as evidence in legal and regulatory complaints.
Final Note
This article is based on the public LinkedIn complaint of Sandeep Patil. If AU Small Finance Bank has resolved this issue, the company or complainant may contact Choice4Voice.com to mark this case as Resolved.
