Stuck in a Service Bond: Can I Break Free Due to Health Issues? Seeking Advice

My Dear Friends,

I am a sales professional with 9 years of experience. I recently joined a company in Bangalore, and at the time of joining, they made me sign a service bond on plain paper. I didn't have a choice, and I signed the bond. The service bond states that the company is willing to invest time and money to train the employee for advanced skills. If I break the bond, I am required to pay the gross salary for the remaining months to them. However, the company can terminate me for any reason with a 15-day notice period.

I am now considering joining another company due to the unprofessionalism of my current employer. Can I be released from the bond by providing a medical certificate stating that I have a chronic disease and require treatment, or is there another way to handle this situation? Does the service bond remain valid?

Please help me.

I advise not to play false but to be straightforward when asking for relief. You should state that the company has not invested any amount in training you, therefore, no bond would be applicable. The company needs to accept this and will not pursue legal action against you.

Regarding Sales professionals, they are not considered workmen under the Industrial Disputes Act. Although there is the Sales Promotion Employees (Conditions of Service) Act, 1976, it is specifically meant for sales personnel in the pharmaceutical industry. Consequently, any disputes concerning the employment or non-employment of other sales professionals will need to be addressed through civil suits only.

Regards,
Madhu.T.K

Dear Sir,

My company's employees may not understand if I tell them the truth. Can I produce a medical certificate stating that I am receiving treatment and cannot work for the next 2-3 months? I believe this would be a better approach.

Please advise.