Falsely Accused Under POSH Act: Seeking Justice Against a Broken System at Allianz Trivandrum

Hi Reddit, I’m sharing this deeply personal and heartbreaking experience because I believe in fairness, justice, and transparency—values I thought were upheld universally but learned the hard way they aren't. I am a [B.Tech](http://b.tech/) graduate from KTU University, finally completing my degree in December 2024 after persevering through a mercy chance. Since graduating, I’ve been striving to build a career and provide for my family. After graduation, I joined a well-known BPO in Kochi, where I worked for over 1.5 years. During that time, a friend in Allianz inspired me to aim for bigger opportunities. I attempted the Allianz interview twice and failed both times, but I didn’t give up. On my third attempt in August 2024, I finally cracked the interview. It felt like all my effort had paid off. Balancing work and transitions wasn’t easy. I resigned from the BPO, served a 30-day notice period, and paid for the remaining 30 days to join Allianz by September 30th. During this time, KTU released the timetable for my last exam attempt, which I couldn’t afford to miss if I wanted my degree. I explained my situation to Allianz HR and requested an extension to join, which they graciously granted. I attended training for a week in late October before taking leave to focus on my exams, with my final paper scheduled for December 9th. However, towards the end of my exams, my mother, who had flown back from Kuwait for medical treatment, fell critically ill. Balancing exams and her treatment at Amrita Hospital in Kerala was overwhelming. After completing my exams, I contacted my training manager, informing them I was ready to rejoin on December 10th. My mother was still unwell, and I requested a few extra days of leave to be with her until she returned to Kuwait on December 12th. Though initially denied, my father intervened and spoke with the manager, who then granted me leave until December 12th. I rejoined on December 13th, thinking everything was back on track. Instead, I was blindsided with a shocking allegation under the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act. I was told that some women from the company felt "uncomfortable" with my behavior during the Halloween party. Let me clarify: 1. The Halloween party was a sober event—strictly no alcohol. 2. The allegations were vague and unfounded, citing discomfort based on my “demeanor” and “looks.” Despite my repeated requests, no evidence or specifics were provided to substantiate these claims. Instead, I was pressured to resign voluntarily or face termination with these baseless accusations attached to my name. Unaware of my rights under POSH, I submitted my resignation via email. Only later did I learn about the legal requirement for an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) inquiry, as mandated under POSH guidelines. To my knowledge, no formal inquiry or meeting was conducted to investigate the allegations. The law ensures a fair process where both the complainant and the accused are heard. In my case, this fundamental right was ignored. I consulted a lawyer who reinforced my belief that this process was deeply flawed. She also expressed dismay at how such sensitive laws are misused to destroy someone’s career and reputation. I have reached out to senior leadership at Allianz, including Mr. Jilson John, Head of Allianz India, but have received no response. Is this what we call fairness or equality in India? Is it fair for someone to lose their career and dignity without even being given a chance to defend themselves? I request a **fair and transparent investigation** into this matter. I am confident that the truth will reveal my innocence. My entire life has been upended by these baseless allegations, and I refuse to let this injustice define my career. Reddit, I am reaching out to you, not just to share my story but to ask for your support. Let’s start a conversation about ensuring that laws like POSH are not misused and that due process is respected. **Key POSH Guidelines:** 1. **Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):** * Every workplace with 10 or more employees must establish an ICC to handle complaints. * The ICC is required to conduct an impartial investigation, ensuring both the complainant and the accused are heard. 2. **Inquiry Process:** * A written complaint must be filed by the complainant. * The ICC must provide an opportunity for the accused to respond to the allegations. * The inquiry must be completed within 90 days, with findings shared transparently. 3. **Fair Hearing Rights:** * Both the complainant and the accused have the right to present evidence and witnesses. * Actions cannot be taken against the accused without completing a proper investigation. 4. **Confidentiality:** * Details of the case must remain confidential to protect the dignity of both parties. 5. **Misuse of POSH:** * The POSH Act explicitly recognizes the possibility of false complaints and provides measures to address such misuse. I hope my story sheds light on the misuse of these critical laws and the need for fairness in workplaces. If you’ve faced a similar experience or have any advice, please share it below. Thank you for standing with me in my fight for justice. https://preview.redd.it/unoufepsw67e1.png?width=740&format=png&auto=webp&s=1da25e025f739707adbdefbe903b15f44a323c1f https://preview.redd.it/250co4buw67e1.png?width=540&format=png&auto=webp&s=48aff22268a5ee5d241ef699873a4aeeeff57106 https://preview.redd.it/un3zqt8vw67e1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=a0b6f79faeb754c5ca904d7bdbe7923aa8690ce3