Should I Disclose My Past Acquitted Case During a Job Background Check?

Hi, some years ago, I was involved in a false case filed by our college. A FIR was lodged. College authorities later accepted their mistake, and the court acquitted all of us. I have applied for a passport since then and submitted all case-related documents there, successfully passing the verification process to obtain my passport.

I am now an experienced professional with 2+ years of experience. Currently, I have received an offer from a company that conducts background checks. I am wondering if I should mention the details of the case at all.

Please advise on the same.

You have been cleared of all charges against you; that's very important. You should declare your status to the new company, explaining what happened and provide proof of your innocence. Do not hide the truth from the new employer, as a background check might reveal the history, and you could be found guilty of cheating. All the best.

Has the company asked for such details of criminal cases/civil cases, etc.? If they have not asked, there is no need to mention it. This is my opinion. (Please consider other people's opinions as well.)

Check the application form or any other paperwork to be filled in and submitted to the company.

You have been acquitted. The matter ends there. What was the nature of the case against you?

Normally, only pending criminal cases against the applicant, if any, have to be mentioned in the job application, and that too only if asked. When such a case is decided by the competent court in your favor, the matter is finally resolved. I endorse the views of Mr. Nathrao.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your answers. The case involved some IPCs such as unlawful gathering and creating violence. There were 17 other people involved, and every one was acquitted from all charges. This happened in the second court hearing three years ago before I joined my previous company.

Now that I have an offer from TCS, they have asked for information regarding criminal records for background verification. If I am acquitted, then they cannot find any criminal records, right?

"They have asked for information regarding criminal records for background verification. If I am acquitted, then they cannot find any criminal records, right? If they have specifically asked, the matter is different. Criminal records can always be accessed even if the individual has been acquitted. If the application form has a column for any pending cases and details thereof, it is different from 'Has there been any case against you?'

Please make a thoughtful and careful decision about disclosure or non-disclosure. If I were in your position and the company specifically asks for any such detail, I would provide it with remarks of acquittal. You have to make a decision; no one can really advise you in such matters."

Hello Ad2702,

Could you please mention in this forum the EXACT verbatim of the question from the TCS form? This will help the members answer your query accurately. Otherwise, in general, what Nathrao & Umakanthan mentioned is what it is.

Regards,
TS