How Should I Handle a Legal Case for Confidentiality Breach After Resignation?

Hi, I was working with an ISO-certified company for approximately one year, and everyone was happy with my performance. However, one day I found out that my wife is pregnant, so I needed to go back to my hometown to be with my family, which includes my parents, so they could take care of my wife well. I requested a 3-month leave from the company management, but after some discussion, they agreed to release me from my job in one month instead of granting the full 3 months of leave. I submitted my resignation letter and took a 2-week personal leave after receiving approval. Upon returning to work, I resumed my responsibilities with the company.

As I was preparing to go back to my hometown, the company director asked me to work from home to support them on some additional projects, even though I had already completed my assigned work. I agreed and provided support by working remotely.

Suddenly, I received a call informing me that I was terminated from my job for allegedly disclosing confidential information. This came as a shock to me as I was only working extra hours for the company with the access they provided for the additional projects. Despite explaining this to the company directors, no acceptance or work experience letter was provided to me.

After 6 months, the police visited me to inform me that the company had filed a legal case against me for breaching confidentiality. I am now unsure of how to proceed.

Initially, I had considered filing a case against the company for wrongful termination, but I had already resigned and found a better opportunity, so I chose not to pursue it to avoid wasting time. However, the recent police visit has made me reconsider.

I am seeking advice on how to handle this situation. The company did not issue me a relieving letter after my resignation, and all communication was conducted through the company email ID as per the policy.

I have a small family and a stable job now, and I wish to avoid getting involved in legal issues. Any guidance on how to address this matter would be greatly appreciated. If you need more information to provide better assistance, please let me know, and I will provide whatever details I can.

I am hopeful for a resolution to this situation.

Thank you!

Options to Resolve Legal Issues with a Former Employer

Option 1: Approach your previous employer to resolve the issue. Discuss all your positive points with them and request them to withdraw the case on good terms.

Option 2: If you want to go the legal route, seek advice from a legal advisor and proceed with legal action against the company. If you are truly honest and in the right, there is no need to worry; you will win the case.

Thank you very much for your quick response. I'll try option 1 immediately, but if they do not accept it, then I have only option 2 to solve the matter. However, what if I don't have all the documents to support me even if I am telling the truth?

Every communication was conducted through company emails, and they suddenly stopped access without informing me in advance. All the supportive emails and necessary information are located there only.

Thank you!

Also, please let me know if I can file a case against my current situation for my illegal termination 6 months ago, or if that option is now obsolete due to my ignorance in staying calm.

Please suggest!

No worries, even if you don't have any documents as proof. When you file a case, the investigation authorities will certainly contact your employer to provide them with your email PST, upon your statement that all the proof emails are in your company-provided email account.

Yes, you can go ahead with legal action even after 6 months of termination, as you are only responding legally to the case filed by your previous employer.

Do discuss with a legal advisor! However, try to reach an out-of-court settlement. Convince them about your honesty.