Feeling Cornered by Employer's Unfair Treatment: Should I File an FIR for Harassment?

Hi, I am working in an organization as a Branch Manager in Delhi. I joined this company in August 2015. After two months of joining, I was assigned to handle the RM profile and take care of North & East India. I was responsible for every aspect and did my best to turn things around positively, such as controlling expenses and increasing business. However, after some time, the National Head began to intervene, resulting in the loss of some business opportunities. Consequently, my travel expenses were stopped, and my increment was withheld, citing a negative P&L due to the earlier RM's expenses exceeding 75%, marked as over expenses. I reached out via email, but my concerns were ignored.

I was asked to resume work as a Branch Manager, and a new RM with six years of experience was hired, despite my 15+ years of experience. Suddenly, on June 22, the RM issued a notice accusing me of being a non-performer. I responded to the CEO, MD, and National Sales Head, but received no reply. In June 2016, there was a lack of business, and on July 11, 2016, my salary was withheld by the CEO/MD/NSH. I was pressured to resign immediately to receive my salary and F&F. The HR Head threatened to tarnish my career and include negative comments in my relieving letter if I did not resign.

I am deeply disturbed and contemplating filing an FIR against the CEO, MD, NSH, and HR Head for torture and harassment. I have substantial evidence proving my good performance, yet they continue to jeopardize my career. Is it so easy for an employer to ruin someone's career at any given moment? This poses a significant threat to our society.

I am unsure of the next steps. My current thought is to lodge an FIR against them and then seek assistance from the Labor Officer to prevent such misconduct in the future.

I appreciate your guidance on how to proceed in this challenging situation. Regards

It is indeed distressing to experience such mistreatment in the workplace. In this situation, it is crucial to take appropriate steps to address the harassment and unfair treatment you have faced. Here is a practical guide on how to proceed:

Document Everything
- Keep detailed records of all interactions, emails, performance evaluations, and any other relevant documents that support your claims of good performance and mistreatment.

Consult Relevant Labor Laws
- In India, the http://Industrial Employment (Standi...ers) Act, 1946 and http://The Sexual Harassment of Wome...sal) Act, 2013 provide guidelines on workplace harassment and employee rights. Review these laws to understand your rights and the legal options available to you.

Seek Legal Advice
- Consider consulting with a labor lawyer who specializes in employment law to assess your situation and provide guidance on the best course of action.

File a Complaint
- If you believe you have been subjected to harassment and unfair treatment, you can file a complaint with the appropriate authorities, such as the local labor office or the police. Provide them with all the evidence you have gathered.

Protect Your Rights
- Do not feel pressured to resign if you believe you are being unfairly treated. Your employer cannot withhold your salary unlawfully or tarnish your career without valid reasons.

Support Network
- Reach out to trusted colleagues, friends, or family members for emotional support during this challenging time. Having a support system can help you navigate the situation more effectively.

Stay Resilient
- Remember that you have rights as an employee, and no employer should engage in harassment or unfair practices. Stay resilient and focused on seeking justice for the mistreatment you have faced.

Taking these steps can help you address the harassment and mistreatment you have experienced and protect your rights as an employee. It is essential to stand up against such behavior to prevent it from recurring and ensure a safe working environment for all employees.