Former Employer Wants Help with Old Death Case – How Should My Friend Respond?

One of my friends was working as an Executive HR in an Export House. After leaving his job for more than 4 years, the employer is asking him to cooperate in a death case that occurred during his employment. He is unsure of what to do now as he does not even remember which documents were signed by him during that time.

So, please suggest.

Thanks, Mukesh Sharma

Is it a police case? What was his role in the death case? In what capacity did he deal with the death case while working as HR? Is the company located close to where the employee is now working/staying? He will have to consider all these aspects before getting involved. Anyway, without seeing all papers connected with the death, he should not comment or give any evidence.

This is in addition to the valid questions raised by Mr. Nathrao. Whenever there is a death case, the company orders a domestic enquiry. Why is the company not referring to the records of the domestic enquiry? Secondly, does the employer want your friend to be a witness? Tell your friend to write to his previous employer to request an official letter on the company letterhead. While the current employer has nothing to do with this case, it is still important for your friend to keep his current employer informed about his deposition in court.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Your post is very cryptic and compels the respondents to be presumptive, I think. Anyway, the previous employer seeking your friend's cooperation four years after his departure suggests that the death case might be related to the organization, possibly as a claim under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923. Therefore, there is no harm in complying with the request. However, as Mr. Rao suggested, your friend should go through all the relevant documents related to the case and ascertain his involvement beforehand.

Regards