This article is published by The Legal Warning India and written by Advocate Uday Singh.
HR Asking for Money to Release Salary – Is It a Criminal Offence in India?
Imagine this situation:
“HR keh raha hai salary release karne ke liye paise do.”
Ya phir:
- “Processing fees do, tab salary milegi”
- “Management ko convince karne ke liye amount lagega”
- “Under-table payment ke bina FnF nahi milega”
Ye sirf unethical nahi, balki serious criminal offence ban sakta hai.
This article explains whether HR demanding money to release salary is a criminal offence, kaunse laws apply hote hain, aur employee ko kya karna chahiye.
Information is based on news reports and publicly available legal principles.
Is It Legal for HR to Ask Money for Salary Release?
Short answer: Absolutely NO.
Salary employee ka legal right hai, koi favour nahi. Salary ke badle paise maangna:
- Illegal hai
- Unethical hai
- Criminal intention dikhata hai
Chahe company private ho ya startup — HR ya management ko aisa karne ka koi adhikar nahi.
Does HR Asking Money Amount to a Criminal Offence?
Yes, facts ke basis par criminal offence ban sakta hai.
Following criminal angles apply ho sakte hain:
- Cheating (fraudulent demand)
- Criminal breach of trust
- Extortion (if pressure or threat involved)
- Abetment by management
Especially jab salary pehle se due ho.
When Does It Clearly Become a Criminal Case?
Criminal liability strong ho jaati hai jab:
- Salary deliberately roki ja rahi ho
- HR personal benefit ke liye paisa maang raha ho
- WhatsApp / call / email me demand hui ho
- Multiple employees ke sath same cheez hui ho
Intent (mens rea) yahan sabse important factor hota hai.
Is FIR Possible Against HR or Employer?
Yes, FIR possible ho sakti hai, but:
- Proper legal drafting zaroori hai
- Evidence clearly mention hona chahiye
- Blind FIR se police mana kar sakti hai
Isliye pehle legal strategy banana zaroori hota hai.
What Evidence Can Prove HR Salary Bribe Demand?
- WhatsApp chats or voice notes
- Email communication
- Call recordings (lawfully obtained)
- Witnesses (other employees)
- Salary dues proof
Electronic evidence IT Act ke under admissible ho sakta hai.
Correct Legal Strategy (Very Important)
- Do NOT pay bribe
- Preserve all communication
- Send legal notice for salary
- Mention illegal demand clearly
- Approach labour authority
- Criminal complaint if facts justify
Wrong step lene se case ulta pad sakta hai.
Related Legal Guides (Recommended Reading)
-
Legal Notice for Non-Payment of Salary in India -
Employer Not Paying Salary for Months – Legal Remedies -
Cyber Crime Legal Help (For Digital Evidence & Threats)
Common Mistakes Employees Make
- Panic me paisa de dena
- Verbal talks without proof
- Delay karna
- Direct police jaana bina legal notice
These mistakes weaken criminal angle.
Need Immediate Legal Help?
If HR is demanding money to release your salary, this is a red flag situation. Early legal guidance can prevent bigger damage.
Read Also:
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Neighbour Ne Property Par Kabza Kar Liya? Legal Remedy & Police Complaint Process
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Cheque Bounce Case Me Paisa Kaise Recover Kare? Legal Process Explained
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WhatsApp Messages Court Me Evidence Bante Hain Kya? Supreme Court Position
Disclaimer: This article is for general legal information and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or solicitation. Communication is purely informational, in compliance with Bar Council of India Rule 36.
