Facing a 498a IPC Complaint: Can I Still Join TCS Under These Circumstances?

Hello all, I have received an offer letter for employment from TCS for a logistics and admin-related role. The day I accepted the offer letter, my family and I have been purposefully accused by my sister-in-law of family issues. She has filed a police complaint against me, my wife, brother, mother, and father under 498a IPC. I have informed the hiring HR of TCS about this situation. I am concerned about the possibility of joining under these circumstances. We do not have any criminal records to date. Please guide me on what steps to take in this situation. Thank you.

You are not going to face any legal consequences unless you have an active role in the Sec. 498 IPC case. You can join your organization with an undertaking that you will submit the court order about your discharge from the case, as and when given by the court.

The court can discharge you from the case upon finding that there is no active role and involvement and that you were fabricated in a false complaint. In case of confusion or more details, you can call or mail me.

"Innocent until proven guilty" is the doctrine that should govern our thinking. It is good that you apprised TCS upfront about the case. Your transparent approach, hopefully, will help your entry into TCS. Keep this approach post-joining and continue updating the company with the milestones of the case as it progresses.

On the face of it, it appears to be a case of harassment with ulterior motives since all your family members are party to it, as implicated by your sister-in-law.

Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR and Employee Relations Consultant