Integrity issue - submitted a fake hotel bill amounting to 990 - whether company can take any legal action?

Submitted traveling bill and hotel bill to the company for reimbursement. All the bills are below 990. However, I submitted a fake hotel bill amounting to 990. Now management/HR is threatening by mail for legal action on integrity grounds. I don't want to discuss anything with them regarding this matter. This is a private limited company based in Kolkata.

Now, my question is what am I supposed to do...whether the company can take any legal action...???

Please understand that the submission of a bill for even ₹1, which is false, is a matter of integrity. The company can take action against you if they verify and find out the bill is fake.

Discreetly talk to management and find a way out, as the action done by you is irregular and can have consequences.

Certain virtues like integrity and honesty, which always stand as absolute and irreplaceable qualities, are indicative of a person's character. Particularly in the realm of employment, an employee who lacks integrity would be seen as a cancerous presence within the organization. Management may even go to the extent of terminating the individual's services. Therefore, it is advisable to take action as recommended by Mr. Rao.

You see, anything you claim as reimbursement should be genuine. The traveling policy of every establishment is different. For example, in my case, food in any three to five-star hotel with a bill of Rs. 1500 to 2000 or without a bill for different categories of cities.

No doubt about it, you have made a mistake. Nothing good can be suggested without knowing your establishment's policy on tours and travels for company business. How would your HR determine if a bill is fake?

You should discuss this matter with your DH to resolve it with HR.

Submission of fake bills calls for termination of employment as it is against the code of conduct based on Integrity and Ethics. Business code of conduct and ethical compliances, truth in negotiation, and our values are to be ingrained, and companies do take care to inform employees through the intranet or in an employment agreement on these compliances. The amount does not matter; the act does. This is taken as zero tolerance. It is best to take it as a lesson learned and try to find another job.