Facing False Allegations at Work: What Are My Options for Defense and Resolution?

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am working in a Pharmaceutical MNC as a first-line manager for the past 8 months and handle a team of 6 people. I want to know what can be done if any of my subordinates goes to the HR department and makes false allegations against me for something I haven't done, which is strictly against company policy.

Can I go to court and file a defamation suit against that subordinate? What options are available?

Thank you.

Dear Sumit, Please don't mind, but upon seeing your post, I wonder if you are really a manager facing such a problem? Regardless, do you not think it is a rash idea for a manager to consider taking a subordinate to court? If you fail to address this internally with your superiors or HR department, you risk being removed from your position long before any court judgment.

If you have not committed any wrongdoing, as a manager, do you feel so powerless that you are unable to handle a subordinate who has made a false complaint against you to HR?

The answer depends upon the nature and gravity of the allegations. However, no action for defamation lies on this issue.

How do you know if your subordinate is spreading falsehoods about you to the HR of the company? Is it based on your suspicions or acquired knowledge? If you are confident that you have not done anything wrong and have not violated any company policies, why are you afraid? It would be best to wait for HR to approach you for an explanation, at which point you can present your case.

A S Bhat

I also second A S Bhat. Has your HR taken any action or conducted any inquiry about the allegations made by your subordinates, or are you anticipating one? Before proceeding to the court of law, do you expect any fruitful results? Lastly, the forum is unaware of the gravity of the allegations made, which could potentially lead to a defamation lawsuit being filed in a court of law.

I am with PS Dhingra. First and foremost, YOU are the boss for those 6 guys... NOT the other way around. And like A S Bhat mentioned, on WHAT basis are you so sure/confident that your subordinate went to the HR department and put false allegations on you? Can you give more details about this aspect? Has the HR department checked with you about this complaint? Or did you hear from another team member?

Further, I am not sure on what basis you THINK that going legal and filing a defamation suit will resolve the issue. While going legal is ALWAYS an option in ANY issue, it doesn't necessarily have to be the BEST solution. Please give more details about the issue so that members can suggest more actionable suggestions.

Regards, TS