Navigating Service Bond Issues: Legalities, Resignation Advice, and Employee Rights

I have joined one company by signing a 3-year bond on stamp paper and given a 50000 Rs. undated cheque. But after working there for just 7 days, I found the work is totally different from my work profile and what I understood in the interview. I cannot learn anything because it is outside my work field, and I do not want to learn because I do not want to change my field. The job profile was not explained in the offer letter.

I met with the HR head and explained my problem. He said to give him my resignation and mention that I am resigning because of personal reasons, then only they will waive off the money. I followed his advice and submitted my resignation as instructed. However, after one week, I received a call from the HR department stating that, as per top management's decision, I have to pay 50% of the money, i.e., 25000 Rs., by demand draft, then only they will return my undated cheque; otherwise, they will deposit it. I did stop the payment for the cheque.

Please guide me on what I should do in this matter. Should I pay the draft?

Dear Juhi,

You have just worked for seven days. You have not even completed your induction there. Don't worry; you have nothing to lose; forget about those seven days and its salary. Start looking for better options and be careful this time before signing any service bond. Be more careful while choosing career options available before you. Choosing a career option just like that may create more such nightmares from which you have just come out.

Good luck!

Warm regards,
Umesh Chaudhary
(welcomeumesh@yahoo.com)

Hi Juhi, I am sure you have the check number. Do a stop payment right away. You need not pay the draft. Since you have only worked 7 days, you need not mention it on your resume, but do bring it up in the next interview to ensure transparency. Also, please make sure to understand the next job profile beforehand.

Dear Juhi,

Do not worry, this kind of service bond is not enforceable under any law in India. Since you have already stopped payment of the cheque, they will not be able to do anything. If they take any action, you can file a counter case against them as this type of bond falls under forced labor, which is punishable by jail. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that they will take any further steps.

Don't worry; proceed with your career. Best of luck.