Confused by HR's Email on Reference Check After a Rocky Past with My Former Employer?

Background: I have an unpleasant history with my previous employer, especially with HR, which led them to not give me any relieving letters but a letter of termination a year back. I have struggled to find employment since then and have been unemployed for about a year now.

Recently, an opportunity knocked on my door, and they want to do a background check on me and require the reference of HR from the last working organization. I wrote an email to the HR in hope of having moved on for an acceptable reference check. Here is the reply I got back:

Dear [My Name],

If I get any background verification mail from the respective agency regarding your employment details with [My Last Working Org. Name], we will revert to them for the same.

Thanks & Regards,

[HR Name & Designation]

Is this email saying, "no worries, we will revert back with an acceptable reference!" or,

"dare if someone sends a request for employment check, he or she will get to know about the unfortunate incident at the company involving you!" (or something negative of that sort)

Can anyone explain?

Note: I don't know if it's relevant, but the country in question is India.

Communicating Past Incidents with Potential Employers

You should clearly mention the incident that took place with your previous employer to the potential employer or to whoever is providing you the job opportunity.

Also, you should provide other references available to you, such as your colleagues or other seniors/managers from the previous organization.

Managing a Difficult Reference Check

Your previous organization will be expected to provide an honest appraisal. Since there is a history of problems, they are unlikely to turn around and write a glowing report about you. This situation will take careful management, but you need to be honest about it and work through it with your potential new employer.