Can a Candidate Be Legally Bound to Join After Accepting an Offer Letter?

Hi all,

I wanted to know whether a candidate who has been issued an offer letter or letter of intent for joining services can be held responsible if he/she refuses to join the company after accepting the offer. Can it be made mandatory for the candidate to join if he has accepted the offer letter? Is there any legal aspect to the whole thing?

Regards,
Inderpal Singh

It all depends on whether you want to force an individual to work. Even if he or she joins, then the expected performance would be a big question.

Elwyn

Hi,

You can't make compulsion. The person has just accepted your offer. In the offer letter, generally, we mention the salary package and position offered. Other terms and conditions are not being declared in the offer letter.

In my opinion, there is no legal aspect attached to it. Legal matters come into play when you enter a contract with that person, and if he or she breaks it.

Regards,
Chaitali

Hi Chaitali,

My only bone of contention here is that a person has accepted the offer letter. If the person has been given a description of the job profile, emoluments they receive, location to be posted, etc., and then they accept the offer, would/should it not be binding on the person?

Regards,
Inderpal