The Bombay High Court has held that habitual absence from the work place without taking leave or giving prior intimation amounts to misconduct on the part of employee. A division bench of the court made this observation while upholding dismissal of an employee of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd, who filed a petition challenging his removal. The court further observed that the reason for such misconduct is because it exhibits irresponsibility and lack of interest in work. The Bench referred to Rule 3 of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which requires that a government servant must at all time maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty.<br/><br/><br/>