Worried About Losing My Job Over a Minor Nuisance Case – What Can I Do?

Hi, a month ago, a complaint was filed against me by my brother-in-law at a police station, stating that he wanted a compromise and not to trouble me by opening an FIR. Provocative words by my brother-in-law were used to instigate me. Despite warning him twice, he resorted to the same language, following which I ended up slapping him and pulling his ear. He is 7 years younger than me. This incident took place under the roof where we are staying together.

After reaching the police station, my wife and I explained the situation to the officers who took his case. Nevertheless, he and I both have a 70b nuisance case on us because the inspector suspected that we might end up fighting again. We live under the same roof. I was told that it is a petty case. We both appeared in court, paid 200 Rs as a fine, and got the matter closed.

Now, I have joined an organization where they have a zero-tolerance policy towards criminal cases. I'm suspecting that I might lose my employment. Could anybody suggest what I could do to save myself from losing this job?

Discussing the Situation with Your Employer

I think it is preferable that you discuss this with your employer now rather than have them find out later during the background check. If it raises a red flag, then it is difficult to come back from the perception of dishonesty.

You need to explain calmly, quietly, and rationally what happened and that it is a family domestic problem that will have no bearing on your work with the company. One of the reasons I suggested anger management training was that it enables you to tell your manager, "Yes, I have had problems, but this is what I am doing to address it." The key, as always, is to present solutions, not problems. Your manager needs to be reassured that you are not going to cause problems for the company—either in your work or your private life.

Last month, a similar query was posted via the thread https://www.citehr.com/634289-sec70-...ml#post2477736. My suggestion had been as follows:

"As I could ascertain, Section 70b of the Hyderabad Police Act states as follows:

70: Indecent acts in street etc.

Whoever, in any street or public place or place of public resort, (a) is in such a state of intoxication as not to be able to protect himself, (b) behaves in an indecent, riotous disorderly manner, (c) uses any threatening, insulting, or obscene words or gestures, likely to disturb public peace or cause public nuisance, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to eight days or with a fine which may extend to fifty rupees.

The matter is a petty offense, and generally, courts dispose of such cases on the imposition of a fine once the accused pleads guilty. It is not necessary that the accused be present in court; an advocate could be authorized to represent him.

Once your friend receives the summons from the court, he may ascertain whether such a practice is in vogue in that court and, if so, he can plead guilty and get the matter closed.

The offense alleged does not involve moral turpitude and hence need not affect his prospects for public employment. However, he needs to make an honest disclosure of the information as sought in the attestation form. (Every person, once selected for public appointment, needs to furnish such a form in the prescribed format)."