Facing Unfair Treatment and Termination: Can I Challenge My MNC Bank's Decision?

Dear Experts, I am working as an AVP at an MNC Bank. I have been subjected to humiliation, mental, and sexual harassment since I joined. I have escalated this issue several times. As a result, the HR department colluded with senior officials and conducted an unfair appraisal. I was pressured to either accept the rating or face consequences. I was unlawfully confined to a meeting room and threatened for almost 3 hours. I had to call 100 for help, and they eventually let me go. I escalated the matter to the topmost officials and was instructed to stay at home pending investigations. Later, I was called for a meeting where no discussions on the escalation took place; instead, I was informed that HR was there to assist. I requested support either in transferring me to another department or, if resignation was necessary, to extend help in prolonging the notice period until I secure another job. Although there was a verbal agreement, they refused to commit anything in writing. I documented the conversation and received a text message response asking me to resign first before reviewing the discussion points. While waiting for their response, I suddenly received a couriered termination letter dated February 28th, effective the same date. The contract allows the company to terminate without stating a reason, but I have not violated any company policies. In fact, I have been a victim of mistreatment throughout. Please advise if I can challenge the termination and pursue legal action. Thank you.

What has happened to you is quite unfortunate. The fact that these things occur in a multinational corporation exposes their dark underbelly. As of now, what do you want from us? The Assistant Vice President (AVP) is a fairly senior position. How did you not perceive the undercurrents of hostility? You may challenge the termination. However, what evidence do you have to prove that the termination was unfair? Everything hinges on the evidence. Consider reaching out to a good labor lawyer; this is the only suggestion that can be given.

All the best!

Regards,
Dinesh Divekar

Thank you, sir, for the prompt response. Yes, I did experience the hostility. Unfortunately, the company has a legacy where a lot of people have been ill-treated. In fact, there has been a police case by another employee in the past against the two SVPs.

Evidence of Hostility and Harassment

As for evidence, I have the following:

1. All emails to HR minutes detailing the discussions I had with them or my supervisors.
2. I had a panic attack at work due to the harassment. They rushed me to the hospital, so I have the medical records of the same.
3. My medical leave letter that they sent due to the above.
4. My mid-year appraisal that was decent.
5. They shared the objectives on which the appraisal was to be conducted on the eve of the final appraisal. I requested via email that this be discussed as I had no clarity on most objectives.
6. Call to 100 (police helpline) that I made from office premises when they unlawfully confined me.
7. Escalation email to the chairman and other senior officials.
8. Meeting minutes after my discussion with the investigation team. It is a different thing that they were not acknowledged.
9. Text messages exchanged with the above personnel (He is an SVP HR and was here in Gurgaon to investigate my allegations).
10. My complaint at NCW, dated 7th Feb 2014.

Concerns About Termination

The termination is sudden with no discussion, revert on my requests for support, report on the investigation, or warning. This can jeopardize my career and is damaging to my reputation.

Legal Actions and Queries

I would like to know if I can refuse to accept the termination, asking for reasons for it? If I file an FIR and sue the company under criminal sections, is my case strong enough? What labor laws are applicable to me? Can I sue them for unfair termination? Can I demand an apology? Can I sue them for damages? What other legal actions can be taken?

Regards

You can go to court against the MNC Bank contesting your unlawful termination.

Further, you mentioned that you were subjected to sexual harassment. In case you have the proof, you can file an FIR with the Police under the law against Sexual Harassment and proceed as per the law.

However, it will be better if you can seek advice from a lawyer who will give you an opinion based on the actual documents and facts. As you have made a complaint to NCW, you should also seek the opinion of their experts.

Regards,

Legal Steps to Address Workplace Harassment

Firstly, you have to go to the police station with all these proofs. It's better if you go with an advocate. As per my understanding, you didn't get any support from the management side. Better not to work with them hereafter. But you can legally move against the company so that they may come to your path because companies don't want to spoil their goodwill.

Be confident. May God guide you on the right path.

Well, your case seems very unfortunate. I have never heard of such an extent of hostility from an MNC bank. Reading your case, here is my advice.

Initial Steps to Consider

Firstly, please check if there are any loopholes on your side (related to performance, behavior, discipline, etc.). If your side is clean, then you have a case. What is not clear is how long you worked there (hopefully 3 months or more). You have also mentioned sexual harassment, but from your claim, it is not evident. Remember, the police will do nothing as it's a civil matter.

Negotiation and Documentation

In my opinion, you need to first strongly discuss with your current employer about a decent severance pay and a proper relieving letter. Also, you can ask to justify or provide a proper reason for the termination. If they don't reply, then an RTI can be filed. Although it's subjective, your employer can refuse to give a reason stating it's a trade secret, but it will put pressure on them.

Engage with Global HR

Since it's an MNC bank, you can also try reaching out to your global HR team. If it is a European bank, I am sure they would be very sensitive towards employee harassment issues. Start building a series of communications with your current employer as well as the global team. Try to sound professional in your email communication and be punctual with regular follow-ups. I am sure you will not hear a proper acceptable reply from your employer.

Legal Consultation and Action

In the meantime, consult a lawyer dealing with such employee-dispute-related matters. Also, go and visit the office of the respective labor commissioner in your area. After you have done all this, you can serve them a legal notice and drag them to court. But remember (in my view), the court will help you get decent compensation, but if you have already received the same through your F&F, then the whole exercise may not be that productive. But you can consult a lawyer and examine what you want. Also, you can lobby with other employees who have been victims of the same exploitative work culture.

Final Thoughts

Also, don't accept the termination, ask for the reason, and start following up through email communication. In the end, don't lose hope... don't think too much about this episode that you lose sight of your career ahead.

I sincerely appreciate your responses. It has given me some hope and confidence as I have been extremely distraught due to the whole incident. Below are some more details:

1. It has been a year since I started working here.

2. My record has been clean in terms of behavior, discipline, or company policies, etc.

3. I escalated to HR when the hostility became unbearable by the department head.

4. Bullying has been to the level that we were asked not to be seen with the friends of our choice.

5. The senior VP who started bullying me has a police record against her in the past for intimidating and torturing another employee. I contacted her, but she refused to help.

6. I have records of all the emails that I have written to HR to seek help.

7. I reached out to the chairman and the current CEO at the group level who sit at Global HQ but received no response from them.

8. Senior HR in India reached out to me and assured a proper investigation. But they did not revert with any findings or discuss anything with me.

9. It has been over a month since I had a meeting with them. While they seemed compassionate on the surface, they have sent the letter of termination and given me 3 months' salary in lieu already. I was entitled to an annual bonus in March, but due to termination, they have not given that too.

10. I have spoken to a lawyer, but I want to make sure my case has some merit so that it is worth fighting for.

11. Sexual harassment was verbal, like asking my age, giving me compliments, getting into my personal life, etc., by my male boss.

Regards

It seems you have been a victim of a bullying boss. You can surely take up this matter with the company. I remember a case where employees forced HR to either face a legal notice or terminate the bullying boss. Finally, the boss was transferred.

In your case, HR seems compassionate, and your F&F is already done, so you can decide accordingly on what you want. Do you want to move ahead or teach them a lesson?

Your VP boss was a lady, and you also faced sexual harassment from your male boss. You would have details of calls made to the police control room for unethical confinement in the office. If the timing was late, then it makes your case even more solid. You can definitely file a case against your male boss as complimenting a female colleague, etc., is a kind of sexual harassment.

You have nothing to lose now. Take a strong stand with your HR/top leaders. Try to involve other employees who have faced similar problems.

Steps to Take Action

Firstly, decide what you want. Then try to pool other employees, consult a good advocate, collate all proofs, and build your case by sending emails to your top bosses. Check with your advocate about lodging a complaint for sexual harassment. If that goes through, I can assure you your boss will fall on your knees begging. Try visiting the office and meeting the labor commissioner. Record all your conversations that happen with your employees.

Please pick your battles thoughtfully and consider what you want.

Kind regards

It seems you are living in a just world full of certainties. Does such a just world really exist where people live on their own terms? Well, it seems you have been a victim of a bullying boss. You can surely take up this matter with the company. I remember a case where employees forced HR to either face a legal notice or terminate the bullying boss. Finally, the boss was transferred.

In your case, HR seems compassionate, and your F&F is already done, so you can decide accordingly on what you want. Do you want to move ahead or teach them a lesson?

Your VP boss was a lady, and you also faced sexual harassment from your male boss. You would have details of calls made to the police control room for unethical confinement in the office. If the timing was late, then it makes your case even more solid.

You can definitely file a case against your male boss as complementing a female colleague, etc., is a kind of sexual harassment. You have nothing to lose now; take it strongly to your HR/top leaders. Try to involve other employees who have faced a similar problem.

Steps to Take Action

Firstly, decide what you want. Then try to pool other employees, consult a good advocate, collate all proofs, and build your case by sending emails to your top bosses. Check with your advocate about lodging a complaint for sexual harassment. If that goes through, I can assure you your boss will fall on your knees begging. Try visiting the office and meeting the labor commissioner. Record all your conversations with your employees.

But please pick your battle thoughtfully as to what you want.

Whatever has happened is not very rare. MNC or local, all companies are the same. The right step for you now is first to test your mind if you are ready to fight the case or you may have to back out. In case you wish to fight, then without wasting time, file an FIR and forward a formal complaint to NCW immediately. Contact a good labor advocate to file a case against the bank and file a damages suit for the harassment, loss of reputation, and illegal termination of your service. Just remember, the terms of your appointment letter stating that services can be terminated without assigning any reason are not legally valid and do not stand effective in the eyes of law courts.

I can't assure you if you will win this case or not, but I can assure you that if you file this case, you can cause irreparable damage to the reputation of this company. With the help of NCW, you can get far better coverage. Finally, the bank will have to blink and redress their mistake, although it will take time. So, if you are ready to fight for your dignity, then surely you will get justice. Contact a senior lawyer and seek advice on drafting the FIR/complaint.

With best wishes.

I can't assure you if you will win this case or not, but I can assure you that if you file this case, you can cause irreparable damage to the reputation of this company. With the help of NCW, you can get far better coverage.

https://www.citehr.com/486532-mental...#ixzz2v4tiQZSn

Is this a just cause to litigate? Is litigation a priority under the present circumstances?

Well, I went through your message; it's really painful and, more than that, disheartening. I would suggest that it's a matter of justice. You are nowhere at fault in the first instance, and secondly, all the officials and HR are together.

Being an HR professional, I am feeling extremely bad and stunned at that cunning HR in your bank. I would suggest that even before going to the police station or consulting an advocate, talk to your CEO or director. They will certainly help you. In this world where people sell their principles for money, you cannot rely on advocates and police. What if these officials pay them or they have bigger contacts? So, take help from your director. I am sure you will come up with a solution because this has been a case where only directors are helpful.

Thank you

I went through your message, and it's really painful and, more than that, disheartening. I would suggest that it's a matter of justice. You are nowhere at fault in the first instance, and secondly, all the officials and HR are together.

Being an HR professional, I feel extremely bad, and I am stunned by that cunning HR in your bank. I would suggest that even before going to the police station or consulting an advocate, talk to your CEO or director. They will certainly help you. In this world where people sell their principles for money, what if these officials pay them or they have bigger contacts? Seek help from your director. I am sure you will find a solution because this has been a case where only directors are helpful. Directors are loyal and will think lawfully in this case. Try this and don't lose hope. You will win.

Thank you.

Respected Ms. Poonam and Ms. Ra Aq,

She has already written that she met the CEO and other seniors at Global HQ, and no action has been taken from their side. What benefit will she get from meeting them again?

Secondly, though no advocate has given their comments on this thread, I would still like to mention that asking about age, family background, or giving compliments may not alone stand in court as sexual harassment, since there is no evidence to prove the real intentions.

Ms. Ra Aq, what do you actually want from your life? If you want to pursue your career growth, forget the case, etc. If you are still in a revenge mood, I think you will face more mental harassment.

Family is another aspect to consider. What have they suggested? Perhaps you are married; then, how would your husband feel about it?

Consider every aspect of your life. Sometimes, seeking revenge may backfire. Acceptance of F&F will weaken your case.

Think about your real condition before moving forward.

Regards,
Manish Bali
Head IR/HR -- Jindal Group

Advice on FIR, Litigation, and Fighting Against the Bank

What I have observed regarding advice related to FIR, litigation, and the fight against the bank is mostly appreciated by Ra_Aq. In that case, you may have already been contacted by some lawyers. What they advised you, you should already be mentally prepared to fight.

Now, ask your close friends and your family—who knows you better than all of us.

Regards,
Manish Bali

I have contacted three lawyers to understand my rights more than filing litigation. My approach with the company officials and seniors was to resolve it amicably. I had asked for a fair way of parting ways and requested support in looking for another job since it was not working out for either of us. On the surface, they appeared to be helpful in the last meeting I had with them, but they contradicted the verbal assurance they gave me.

Prima facie, I have my ground covered as I met with HR several times. My future is now jeopardized. They promised they would not do anything that would affect my career, but they have gone against their words. Many more people at the VP and AVP level have suffered.

If I leave them like this, they will continue to bully people. While my focus is to get on with my life, I will also now fight for my rights as I have been victimized. As they say, it is equally wrong to let wrong happen to you. They can be charged individually in the criminal court, and the company can be sued for damages to me in the civil court. I do not fall under the purview of the labor court, so I cannot seek help from there. I had filed a complaint against them with NCW too. NCW is taking action.

Regards.

While I understand what you are saying, I do not think succumbing to pressure has any signs of weakness. In fact, it means that one has tried to be strong for too long. In my circumstances, where there was daily constant politics, keeping me away from meetings and insulting me in public, it can affect any normal human being. It is not setting a wrong example for anybody. You have no idea of the extent of mental torture and pressure I went through.

There are several more people like me, mostly at AVP and VP levels, who have gone through similar treatment and have left the job without another job in hand. The female SVP is an insecure, jealous woman who misbehaved with a very nice and respectable SVP. Eventually, he left the company and joined elsewhere.

Adapt, Quit, or Fight

I think Mr. Manish Bali's advice is quite balanced. However, it seems that the thread starter (TS) is bypassing it. Further, it appears that she is less concerned about her plight and more about the setup, which, according to her, is unjust, unfair, and unreasonable. She wants to teach them a lesson. Bravo!

However, if she wants to repair the setup, she may join forums like the Judicial Accountability Committee or Aam Aadmi Party, or she may organize one such forum by herself.

Sir, what you have said is practical. The priority should be to protect my future and life. That is exactly my concern - to get them to give me a clean relieving letter and not to teach them a lesson.

Many members have contributed to this thread. Having gone through the discussions, I wish to add a few thoughts that linger in my mind.

a) You mentioned in your communication that you have emailed regarding the discussions you had with your superiors. However, it is unclear whether they have responded to any of the emails.

b) You stated that you called from the office and, at the instance of the police, you were released from solitary confinement. Did the police officials make any recording of your statement? In my opinion, solitary confinement for 3 hours to force an employee to accept an unfair rating does not sound logical.

c) You indicated that you had a panic attack due to harassment and were on medical leave as a result. What was mentioned in the summary provided to you by the hospital?

d) It is also unclear whether you were trying to expose any dubious transactions at the bank that led you to this situation.

e) Were you asked to resign at some point by the management, and did you refuse to resign of your own accord?

f) The company has safeguarded its legal position relating to your termination by giving you 3 months' notice pay.

g) The only case you have against them is that the termination is illegal. To prove this, you should ensure that all actions taken by you while you were in service were error-free and that you did not inadvertently sign any incorrect documents. As you have served just one year in the company, something could have eluded your attention, and this could have been done deliberately by your employer.

h) The other case you have against them is sexual harassment at the workplace. The points stated by you, in my opinion, may not be worth fighting out. However, a professional lawyer will be able to give you the right views.

i) If you are in the early stages of your career, I would recommend that you sort out the matter by discussion rather than taking it head-on. This suggestion is because, as suggested by yet another member, for senior positions, previous employment reference is essential.

To summarize, take up the matter with the global team. I am sure that such MNC Banks will have a grievance redressal committee. Do a little introspection on TGW & TGR (Things Gone Wrong and Things Gone Right) before you make a prudent decision.

Regards

Understanding Workplace Pressure and Harassment

While I understand what you are saying, I do not think succumbing to pressure has any signs of weakness. In fact, it means that one has tried to be strong for too long.

In my circumstances, where there was constant daily politics, keeping me away from meetings and insulting me in public, it can affect any normal human being. It is not setting a wrong example for anybody. You have no idea of the extent of mental torture and pressure I went through.

There are several more people like me, mostly at AVP and VP levels, who have gone through similar treatment and have left the job without another job in hand.

The female SVP is an insecure, jealous woman who misbehaved with a very nice and respectable SVP. Eventually, he left the company and joined elsewhere.

Actually, in writing, we cannot express our real feelings. I, too, have full sympathy with you and understand your situation. Being a female and being the senior-most, what you have faced in your organization is not very easy for you. What I would like to explain is what you actually want from your life now. If you fight the case and want to settle them, it may ruin your own career. In that case, your organization will not support you in any case.

On the other side, you have very harsh experiences and can't have faith in their words. You suspect that after commitment they may backstab you again, and you might be right in your conclusion.

See, DELAY in this case may be the best and right remedy for you. Delay will heal your wounds as well and will change the mindset for your MNC Bank too. Maybe some more employees may change their job from there, and some may understand your feelings slowly. Give some more time to yourself and see the effects.

Regards,
Manish Bali

I am a professional with 15 years of impeccable record and have worked with some very good brands. If I were guilty, I would not be asking for advice in this forum. To answer your questions:

1. I have not done anything that is against the company policy, such as sharing confidential data, breaching contracts, or misconduct.

2. My fault was that I was fairly new to the company and did not know that the Senior Vice President (SVP), who is a lady and heads the department where I worked, was friends with the male SVP of another department. In one of the meetings, he was cracking jokes and I laughed at them. She asked me to shut up, to which the SVP jokingly told her to leave the room. She left angrily, and since then, I became the target of her insults.

3. When it became unbearable, I subtly asked if I could change departments without escalating the issue against her.

4. Fortunately, I was moved to another role. However, she still had influence there and made an issue if I sent an email or attended meetings.

5. My new male boss, who dislikes her, took advantage of the situation. He tried to be friendly with me, but since I did not trust him, I recorded our conversations.

6. When the above situation continued for 3 months, I reached out to HR and asked for intervention.

7. HR had a very paternal and condescending attitude. It is important to note that these individuals are very strong and influential within the company and have a history of vindictive and torturous behavior, especially towards seniors. They expect people to simply follow their orders, and anyone with independent thinking is suppressed.

8. The meetings concluded that my boss was at fault, leading to a more hostile environment being created.

9. The HR team at work took me to the hospital and granted me leave without my requesting it.

10. The office environment is filled with dirty politics, where no one can be trusted. My three friends and I, who joined as Assistant Vice Presidents (AVPs) simultaneously, were instructed not to communicate with each other or be seen together without any explanation provided.

11. Despite having no negative feedback on my mid-year appraisal, good communication with peers, and appreciated performance, they began nitpicking on aspects like my toilet and lunch breaks. Even though I went for lunch alone and never exceeded 15 minutes, the allowed lunch break duration is one hour.

12. In response to my emails, I either received meeting acceptances or notifications of pending investigations.

13. I have reached out to individuals across the hierarchy, but it appears they are supporting each other, as no action has been taken against the offenders despite the severity of my complaint.

14. During my last HR meeting for investigations, I requested an amicable parting. The investigation team seemed understanding as they found no fault on my side. While they did not disclose investigation details, they hinted at a smooth separation. They suggested I resign, and I asked for flexibility in the notice period, with a possibility of extension if I don't secure a job within 3 months. They agreed verbally.

15. I shared the meeting minutes, but there was no acknowledgment. I was informed that they would review and respond.

16. Three weeks later, I received a termination without any prior warning or discussion.

17. The police did not visit the office, but as they prevented me from leaving and pressured me to accept an unjust rating or face a show cause, I had to call emergency services. They did not allow me even an hour to consider my options and demanded an immediate decision.

18. I have never threatened them. In all our meetings, I requested support even if we were to part ways. I have not issued any legal notices or implied any legal action; I have only sought advice from lawyer friends to confirm the legality of the situation and requested a clean relieving letter.

Unfortunately, many of us fear for our careers and futures, which is why we endure such mistreatment and choose to resign. Individuals like these continue to act with impunity, while our concerns are dismissed. The female SVP in question has a prior police complaint filed by another female employee, and the HR head concealed her in a hotel room for three days! It is shocking how such incidents are overlooked. I am aware that in any other organization, she would have been dismissed by now.

Some unsettling occurrences are happening within the company, where everyone seems to be protecting one another's interests. This is a major British bank.

Regards

I have gone through your detailed response, and from the sequence of events mentioned by you, it appears that the company is unethical, illogical, and not compassionate towards employees working in the organization. As I mentioned in my email, there seems to be something they are trying to cover up among a few of them, and this is probably the reason why they tend to push out top people who do not follow their instructions.

If this is going to be the setup, I am sure that we cannot expect them to give you a clean chit as it appears to be a foregone conclusion. The option available is to keep approaching the global team to apprise them of the situation.

As you are a seasoned professional, in my opinion, a clean relieving letter from a misguided employer will not matter, as your professional experience will secure you decent employment, and you will be able to substantiate your stand in case there is a tainted reference from your past employer.

Fighting legally is fine, but the objective is to obtain a clean relieving letter. I am not suggesting that the actions of your past employer are right, but no matter how hard you pursue, they are unlikely to change. This viewpoint is expressed because you mentioned that the lady VP had a police case against her and yet continues in employment.

In my opinion, trying to purify water polluted with sewage to make it potable is impractical.

In summary, I believe your professional career is more important than wasting time fighting a group of individuals who are not worth mentioning. My recommendation is to move on and forget the negative experiences you had in your past employment. Your past organization is exceptionally unprofessional.

Regards

The global team is well aware as I have written emails to all top HR heads at the HQ level, Group Chairman, and CEO who sit in the London office. They have not even acknowledged the email. I am not fighting it out. As mentioned, I have not taken any legal action against them. I have only written an email, saying that I wish to surrender the company assets and would need a confirmation from them on their availability. In return, they would need to provide me with the acknowledgment receipts and a relieving letter, which is the normal procedure. Unfortunately, all organizations require the relieving letter from the previous employer at the time of joining. No one will give me a chance to explain what had transpired. Anyways, I am just praying to the Almighty that I move on graciously as this has been a harrowing experience, and I want a normal life.

Regards

Gear up yourself. Nothing to worry. Find a new job, but hurry up to have all documents (emails, phone call details) in hand and file a complaint in the Labour Commission seeking compensation. File a civil suit challenging your termination. Subsequently, file a criminal complaint mentioning the name of the harasser and officials who failed to take action upon your complaint (with the help of a lawyer). Since it's a very clear-cut direction from the Supreme Court that if a harassment complaint is lodged by an employee, the employer should constitute a committee and address the issue. Failing which, the employer (HR, VP, CEO, etc.) is also an offender. The family of harassers will spit on their face. I wish you in advance for winning the case.

I have gone through the thread and have considered all responses. You have a good case. It is necessary to fight the case; otherwise, succumbing to such victimization emboldens the oppressor, and they will continue it with other new victims. So you are not fighting this injustice just for yourself, but removing this thorn will save others who pass by the same way after you.

Please engage a good lawyer who can help you initiate a criminal case on them (sexual harassment) and a civil case for damages, including that for mental agony caused by unfair termination.

Warm regards.

In my opinion, a legal case can be made, though the Sexual Harassment part is a bit far-fetched and should be excluded (just my perception, but your lawyers will know better). Again, be prepared for a long battle since the company, having greater financial power, will try to delay the case, prolong it using different tactics, and even move to higher courts of appeal. But this shouldn't discourage you.

A little bit of human psychology here - People aren't scared when they stand behind the skirts of a big muscled power. No company is bad because there is no one called the company; it's the people who manage them who are either good or bad. The legal suit should cover the company and the people involved separately. This is when the false confidence of the bigwigs fails. The company sacked you. Hence, the company is liable to bear out the actions of its decision-makers who acted on its behalf. On that note, you could start an appeal in the court of law that until the legal issue is sorted out by the court, the company should hold its senior people who acted on its behalf liable to be produced in court (anytime, even if they leave the services of the company). In that perspective, the employees named in the suit should be prevented/debarred from any separation benefit until the verdict is pronounced since only you and the company are permanent in the case, not those who acted on behalf of the company. This will be a good start to the case by your lawyers.

All people except those who are mentally unbalanced or deranged with anger/revenge or have nothing more to lose are scared. You shouldn't be the one to be scared here since those responsible will soon realize that they have more to lose than you. In my opinion, many of the seniors will change sides just to protect their backs when they are grilled by a competent lawyer.

Keep up your spirit, keep your patience, and be prepared for a long fight that might end years after your retirement age. Truth will prevail. Good luck.

Please also involve electronic media for this. You can collect all the proofs and file an FIR at the nearby police station of the office. May God help you get justice.

Legal Action Against Workplace Harassment

The fact that you wrote to NCW makes me believe that you are a woman. Your SVP is a guy, I presume. To cut the long story short, file a case of sexual harassment (being confined to a room and dialing 100 was no king's treatment) against your SVP and certain other staff members, including HR (as he or she was a mute spectator and therefore a party to the offense). Send a good legal notice to the SVP and the CEO of the bank, and things will fall into place. Let me assure you, the Court sees no seniority in crime against women. Yes, there will be some embarrassing questions by the thug of a defense lawyer, but be brave, and if you have been competent and an achiever, do what I have told you to do.

Best wishes always,

Saurav Das

Legal Action Against Workplace Harassment

The fact that you wrote to NCW makes me believe that you are a woman. Your SVP is a guy, I presume. To cut the long story short, file a case of sexual harassment (confining you to a room and you dialing 100 was no king's treatment) against your SVP and certain other staff members, including the HR (as he or she was a mute spectator and therefore a party to the offense). Send a good legal notice to the SVP and the CEO of the bank, and things will fall into place. Let me assure you, the Court sees no seniority in the crime against women. Yes, there will be some embarrassing questions by the thug of a defense lawyer, but be brave, and if you have been competent and an achiever, do what I have told you to do.

Best wishes always,

Saurav Das

Please file a case in the labor court against your company. You will get a government lawyer, so don't worry about money.

Thank you.

Thank you all for the responses. For those who have been telling me to go to the labor court, I would like to clarify that I do not fall under the purview of the labor court since I was working in the Senior Management category.

Yes, I am a lady. I was thinking of taking them to court, but my health has been affected, and they terminated me. It leaves me with the insecurities of getting a job.

Please first file a complaint with your company's legal team. If nothing happens, then you have all the rights to go to the labor court. All the best.

Hello, my name is Tushar, and I am an AM in HR at a publication company. Well, if I were you, I would have handled the situation differently (this is not the appropriate HR language). If somebody is disturbing you, I would calmly observe the situation without reacting. While I am currently using informal language, I maintain a professional tone on this platform. I recommend that you begin by emailing all your contacts regarding the company and its employees. You likely have a substantial number of personal and corporate email addresses. However, refrain from disclosing details about the harassment; keep the information confidential. Be assertive and don't let the situation slip out of your control. Additionally, seek advice from a female lawyer. Let me know if you require any assistance. Could you please share your location with me?

My name is Tushar, and I am an AM in HR at a publication company. If I were you, I would have handled the situation differently (this is not the HR language). If somebody is disturbing you, I would sit and watch them, enjoying my situation. Currently, I am using slang here, but not on this platform.

I would suggest that you start emailing all your contacts about the company name and the employee with the profiles. I think you must have a good number of personal and corporate email IDs, but do not disclose any information about the harassment. Also, do not hesitate and do not let the situation slip out of your control. Bring them to justice.

Furthermore, consult with a female advocate, and let me know if you need any help. Where are you located?

Regards, Tushar

Also, try to contact your employers and record their conversation with you. (Try to make it a solid point for yourself). Some manipulation is required as you are mentally harassed and physically as well. So, take your time, think, and ACT.

I have started working in a private cooperative bank since 23rd February 2015, as a Clerk. I have been harassed by the Branch Manager of my branch right from the day I joined. The Manager insults me in front of bank customers every day. Today, while at work in the bank, he insulted me in a very bad way and told me to "GET OUT FROM BANK."

I have been mentally disturbed for the last two months and feel deeply insulted. The Manager personally told me that he is jealous of my personality and wants me to leave the branch. I hold an MBA in Finance and currently live in Burhanpur.

I am mentally distressed and considering either filing a case against him for illegally terminating me from the bank since only the Head Office has the authority to terminate employees, or filing a case of mental harassment against the branch manager. I have felt tortured by him every hour in the bank for the past two months.

Please guide me on how to file a complaint against him.

Thank you.

It is very unfortunate that you have to face an unsupportive, cranky superior at the beginning of your career. But never lose heart. Sit calmly with your parents, elders, and friends who will tell you not to harbor low feelings. Such confrontations come and go, but you have to look for a solution to take the next step for the betterment of yourself and your close relations. Opportunities come and go. Moreover, a 2-month period is not a long enough time to leave any dent upon your career. You can fight the wrongdoer only if you are composed and mentally sound. God knows, tomorrow if you have to become the president of a union at the bank, what interest you will secure of your colleagues if you have a broken heart. Take guidance from union leaders on how they have encountered similar incidents and come out bravely.

Now, Coming to Merits

You must have adequate evidence of misbehavior and insults against your superior. Have you been formally terminated? Is it a private bank? What is the period of probation? Any memos issued by a superior against your conduct or work? Please elaborate.

Thanks,

Sushil

Mental Toughness and Documentation

First of all, be mentally tough. Do not get depressed by such insults and fights. In life, you may have to fight bigger battles than a mere difficult boss. Examine whether you are contributing to aggravating the situation in any way. Is the branch manager like this with others? What is the reaction of other staff members?

Record every event of this nature in writing in your diary - what he spoke, when, in front of whom, etc. I am not suggesting any sting operation, by the way. Has he given you a termination letter in writing? Put up your complaints to higher-ups in the chain in writing. Only in case of no remedy from bank higher-ups, then approach civil police.

Look to get transferred to another branch nearby so that you are away from this particular BM. You are young; develop fortitude to face such issues. The issue will get resolved soon enough if you take positive action of accumulating evidence - written or documentary.