I am employed with a reputed mid-sized IT services company in Pune. Mine was campus recruitment and at the time of joining, my father was made to sign a bond stating that I shall continue to work with them for 2 years or pay Rs 2 Lacs if I quit before that.
I signed the joining letters in good faith.
The promised training was only a one month session and after that for the past one year I am yet to be assigned to a real project. No wonder I did not get an appraisal because I never worked on a billable project. That apart I have by large enjoyed my association with my colleagues and seniors.
Of late the company HR has been asking all employees to sign a “No Hire” clause which states employees cannot join any client, client competitor and so on for a period of one year from the date I leave the company. I am not convinced by this restrictive clause and feel this will stifle my already stagnating career. I have avoided signing it but now the HR has been pressurizing me and at time making veiled threats – we will make your exit procedure difficult, etc. I am totally stressed and discomforted by this and finally had no choice but to resign citing the mentioned reason. They are yet to reply or accept my letter.
Now the threats have increased and I am being warned of legal notice, withholding my salary, experience letter, relieving letter, etc. I feel victimized because of my refusal to sign addendums to the hire letter. This unprofessional behavior by a certain section of the company surprises me as I have always put my best for the company and have been appreciated for my work earlier.
I continue to go on doing my work as usual but feel the pressure and an environment of threat.
Was I right in refusing to sign a one-sided clause and resigning on those grounds?
Please suggest what would be my options in such condition.
Thanks,
Roshan