Worried About Job Security After an Epilepsy Episode on My First Day – Can HR Terminate Me?

Hi Team, Can the company terminate me? I am 22 years old and have joined a new finance company two days ago. I attended the first day at the company. While returning home, I had an epilepsy attack and fell on the road. When I woke up, I was surrounded by people and police officers. The police officers helped me a lot after the incident. They gave me a lift to my home in their van. When I got home, I told my brother to inform my boss about the incident. He texted all the details through his cellphone. I was hospitalized after that night, and now I am taking medicine. The doctor advised me to get an MRI, ECG, and other reports. My concern is if I tell all the incidents to HR, can he/she cancel the appointment letter?

I have never had epilepsy frequently. It was the second time; I had it six years ago. In the next six months, I never had such a problem. I thought it was completely okay, and sadly, it happened.

If I show all the medical reports to HR, and if the situation is bad, can he/she terminate me? It happened on the first day. Before that, I did a night shift, but I never had such a problem.

Regards,

Was there a mandatory medical checkup done before they offered the appointment letter? I see no reason why you need to share this. Epilepsy, unlike other health conditions such as blood pressure or diabetes, isn't time-bound. There are no guarantees that you will have an attack anytime soon. It's also not a disorder such as kidney failure, which will need a huge amount of medical support and expense. Hence, there is no need to share anything about it unless they are sending you onsite to other countries.

Please take care of your health. Wish you all the best!

There is no need to be scared. Through international covenants, the Madras High Court held in Mr. Y v Union of India on 4.1.2011 that there cannot be discrimination in public employment unless the disease is so contagious or renders the individual unemployable. Furthermore, in Sheik vs Union of India, the Armed Forces Tribunal declined disability pension solely on the grounds of a hysterical reaction because the medical board had deemed the individual clinically and psychologically fit. Additionally, under the Hindu Marriage Act, the provision for divorce due to epilepsy has been eliminated. If the situation arises, your advocate will advise you accordingly.

Thanks,
Sushil