Company only let carry forward few days leave, can force encash?

Carry forward and encashment policy is largely up to the company, as long as they meet the legal minimum leave entitlement each year, they can set rules like "max 5 days carry forward, rest lapse". So the hangus part is likely legal per their policy, not automatically illegal. BUT here is the practical angle I learned: if the reason you could not clear leave is because the COMPANY was too busy and effectively prevented you from taking approved leave, you have a fair argument to request encashment or extension. I once had this and I emailed HR politely: "I applied for leave on X and Y dates but was asked to postpone due to project deadlines, so I request either carry forward or encashment of the affected days." Having a paper trail of REJECTED or POSTPONED leave requests is key, it shows it was not your negligence. Without that trail, it is harder. Lesson for everyone: apply and use your leave throughout the year, dont hoard it to December, because December always busy and you lose it. Also check your contract, some do specify encashment terms. Raise it professionally, many HR will accommodate a genuine case.