Facing a Show Cause Notice for Freelancing: What Should I Do Next?

Hi, I have been working for a company for the last 5 years. Due to some financial problems, I started my freelance work from home last year. When I submitted my resignation letter to the company on March 14, 2014, my boss called and requested me to stay for one more month. After 10 days, my boss informed me that a show cause notice had been issued to me at my address, but I did not receive any notice. When I went to the office, they asked me to sign the show cause notice, but I refused to sign. I really don't know what to do now. Please give me some good advice.

You have not mentioned the main things, that is, on what grounds they have issued the show cause notice. If they have sent you the show cause notice, they must have sent it through registered post with acknowledgment due (AD). Therefore, they should have received acknowledgment of the same. If you have not signed such a postal letter, then don't worry. As I mentioned, please let us know the reason for the show cause notice so that members can guide you properly.

Regards.

Hello Tushar,

Thank you very much for your kind response. Actually, my brother works as a freelancer, and for some reason, I asked him to withdraw all the amount in my account. They have seen my bank statement and now they are questioning me about why I work as a freelancer.

The first time they told me that they had sent me the notice, and I received it on 2nd April, but they lied to me. I never received any notice, and they were pressuring me to receive the notice in the office and accept the fault. However, I did not accept or sign the notice in the office.

The next day, they sent me an email in which they attached a screenshot of the mail that shows I received the notice on the 5th. This all started when I submitted my resignation letter.

Please guide me on what they actually want.

Thank you.

Good to see some more light shed on this matter, and it became easier to understand. Kindly refer to the points below:

1) How did they dare to check your account statement? It's a confidential part.

2) If you have worked as a freelancer while being employed, then it may be your fault, subject to the terms and conditions of your employment letter.

3) Your resignation letter is dated the 14th of March, and if they sent you a notice on the 2nd of April (if they did), the notice was sent after your resignation. Therefore, it can be treated as null and void. You should ask for an acknowledgment copy of the notice received by you; it will give you a clearer picture of the situation.

Thank you.