New Hire Submitted Fake Documents: Can We Terminate and Withhold Pay Legally?

Dear Seniors,

I have a situation in my office where a new employee joined 3 weeks ago. During employment background verification, we found out that the employee submitted a fake relieving document. Can we terminate the employee for submitting a forged document? Also, is it legal if we do not provide the salary for his 3 weeks in the office?

I look forward to your kind suggestions.

Regards

1. What has made him/her resort to submitting fake documents to you?

2. Do you accept employees without a relieving letter? If yes, have you conveyed the same to the employee at the time of the interview?

3. If genuine reasons exist, then you can condone the employee after issuing a warning letter, in my opinion.

4. Why do you want to withhold the salary? Do you think this will solve the problem justly?