Leaving a Job During a Bond Agreement: How to Handle Legal Challenges?

Dear All,

I joined a company in 1999 in Mumbai. Soon after joining, I realized that the working environment was not good. My probation period was also extended by another 3 months. The company mentioned that it is sending me to Italy for three months and will decide about my future based on the feedback they receive from Italy. I was asked to sign a bond stating that I am going to Italy for training. However, when I arrived there, I was assigned work, and no training was provided. Upon returning to India, despite receiving positive feedback from the Italy office, nothing improved, and I had to continue working in the same environment as before.

After some time, I found a better opportunity and decided to leave the job. Subsequently, the company filed a case against me on the basis that I left during my tenure. Kindly advise me on what steps to take.

Regards,
Anand

Penalty Clause in Surety Bond

The penalty clause mentioned in the Surety Bond requires you to pay the amount specified for all expenses incurred by the company during your assignment in Italy. If you believe that the penalty amount exceeds the actual costs, you have the option to challenge it in a court of law.