Left Job in Anger Without Notice: What Are the Legal Risks of Not Paying?

Hi,

I worked diligently with a company for 9 months. However, I had an argument with my boss 2 months ago, and I left the organization immediately without serving the notice period. I was so angry at that time that I just sent a resignation letter, said goodbye, and left. The new company where I am working now knew about this incident and didn't ask for a relieving letter. However, the old company is now sending me regular emails asking me to pay them for the notice period.

If I had left amicably, I would have paid the amount, but the way they behaved, I just don't want to do it. I want to understand the legal implications if I do not pay them.

- Would a company send a legal notice for a small amount like 10,000?
- If they send a legal notice, how can I save myself? I have no proof that I was wronged by my boss.
- Can I rejoin them to serve the notice period?

Thank you.

Hello Punamm,

This is a common case in most organizations. But in your situation, things could have been sorted out in a better way. What I mean is, you could have been calm and had a talk with your boss and resigned on mutual understanding. Most companies do this (especially when they want to terminate an employee). You have not mentioned any signing of a bond when you joined your company. So I assume that you have already signed a bond (considering your concern on this whole notice period issue).

Now to answer your questions:

1) Would a company send a legal notice for a small amount like 10,000? - Well, it all depends on the company and the boss. Even if the company is big and Rs. 10,000/- is nothing compared to the profits they make, they may still do so to ensure the company does not appear to have lost to its employee.

2) If they send a legal notice, how can I save myself? I have no proof that I was wronged by my boss. - You yourself gave the answer to this. If you have signed a bond, you cannot defend your argument without proof that supports you.

3) Can I join them back to serve the notice period? - About this, I am not sure. You can try asking your previous employer, and if they agree to take you back, that will be your good luck ;-) But remember to ask yourself these questions before rejoining your previous employer: 1) Will your current employer agree to let you go back to the old employer to serve the notice period? 2) Will the current employer consider this period as a long leave and take you back when you return?

Oops :( I just don't want to pay them... still feeling cheated and hurt. Let's see if they send a legal notice.

Just wondering if they ever sent you a legal notice? Was the issue resolved, and did you have to pay? I'm asking because I'm facing the same issue.

I have read your appointment letter carefully, and if there are any clauses pertaining to the concerns raised, I would advise you to resolve the issue amicably and not to react emotionally. If you find that you are unable to prove your point to the parties involved, it might be better to pay the amount and move on.

Best of luck!