Concerned About Legal Trouble After Breaking Bond and Leaving Job Without Notice?

Hi,

I joined an organization in October last year. At the time of joining, I signed a bond of Rs. 100,000/- for a one-year period. If I break the bond, I have to pay the above-mentioned amount. Additionally, the company policy stipulates a notice period of 2 months. From the moment I began my career here, I noticed that the hierarchy is not as expected. The position I joined isn't what it's supposed to be worth. I tried to communicate with HR and higher management but saw no results from their end. Therefore, I decided to resign and submitted my resignation. It has been over a month, and the management has not approved my resignation yet. I broke the bond and left the organization without serving the 2 months notice period.

I am concerned if this may lead to legal issues or if I can defend my actions in court based on how the organization treated me and my position.

Thanks,
Ram

Dear Ram,

In all cases, the company/organization you work with reserves the right to file a case against you as you have signed an agreement with them. The employment contract and/or any other agreement signed by you and the company you worked for is a binding contract between you and your employer.

Normally, the notice period is 1 month; however, serving a notice period of 2 months is valid as long as it is mentioned in your contract. I suggest you go back and review all the agreements you signed. Seek legal advice as well. Should you violate any terms and conditions of your agreement, I suggest you seek an amicable settlement with your employer.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Genn

Bond is illegal. Therefore, the company cannot move legally against you if you do not pay the agreed amount. Regarding the notice period or payment in lieu of notice period, there should be a provision in your certified Standing Orders, and the notice period as mentioned in the appointment order cannot be treated on par with statute. However, fighting with the company may not yield anything for you but could harm your career. Therefore, you can reach a settlement and obtain a relieving order in due process. Nevertheless, if the company insists that you pay the bond amount, defend it.

Regards, Madhu.T.K

Bond will be illegal if the employer asks for an amount of money from the employee that is not clearly stated in their employment contract.

As mentioned, any document signed by the employee and the employer is a binding contract between them. In such cases, the employer can pursue legal action against the employee. The employee must first refer back to the agreement they have signed and seek an amicable settlement.

Regards,
Genn