Is It Fair for HR to Check My Investment Proofs, or Is It a Privacy Violation?

Hi All, Just wanted to know if company HR personnel have the authority to scrutinize investment proofs (insurance premiums/ELSS/PPF) submitted by employees. The reason I ask this is because I have been asked to show my bank passbook entries to prove the investment was made by me and no one else. I personally believe I am answerable to the IT Department only, and such an act by employers is a gross violation of privacy. Hence, I wanted to seek expert opinion.

Thanks,
Justin

Your HR Department has the right to seek such information or proofs of investment. The reason behind this is that they have to ensure the investments are genuine and made by you only. They can provide you with the benefit of tax exemptions only after verifying this. As an employer, they must give you tax benefits only after being satisfied that the investment is genuine. Otherwise, they might attract a penalty for violation of IT rules. Kindly cooperate with them.

Thanks & Regards,
Avika