Facing Legal Threats from a Former Employer: Does My Case Hold Any Merit?

Hi,

I'm working for a leading private sector bank. I was earlier employed with a public sector bank that had not issued me a relieving letter. Recently, I had an altercation with the Branch Manager of the public sector bank I was previously employed with, and he threatened to send a mail to my HR stating that I'm an absconding employee and to file a legal case against me. I have a copy of the resignation acceptance from the Branch Manager under whom I was working at that time. I worked for that organization from 2004 to 2006, and after that, I have switched jobs twice for which I have relieving letters. My PF dues are also still pending for clearance. I'm confused; please guide me, does his case hold any merit?

Hi,

There is not much your branch manager can do to you. First of all, you should understand the meaning of resignation acceptance and relieving letter.

Resignation acceptance - By the resignation acceptance, it is clearly understood that your previous employer has intended to release you.

Relieving letter - This letter is given after you have cleared all your dues, and there is nothing pending against your name. By not getting a relieving letter, there is an impression that there is something pending against your name, and your present bank (employer) may get into litigation if the previous employer takes any legal action against you. Hence, I would suggest you give an undertaking (on stamp paper) to your branch manager (Present) indemnifying from any acts or omissions on your part towards any incident with your previous employer.

Hope this helps you.

Regards, David

Dear Vishal_jal2003,

Welcome to CiteHR.com!

Please try to sort it out with your previous employer (the Public Sector bank) in an amicable way. Please do not feel harassed and worried. Take it from me that a Public Sector bank does not stoop to that level. Maybe there is a communication gap between you and the present BM. Also, for a Public Sector bank, relieving letters are meant for internal communication only. For discharge from services, they generally issue a "struck-off" order which reads, "On acceptance of resignation tendered by Mr. X on (date), he stands relieved from the services of Y bank. Accordingly, his name shall be struck off from the rolls of the bank w.e.f (date) FN/AN..."

Warm regards.

Also