Feeling Stuck: Can I Decline My Appointment Letter After Joining and Move On?

Hi guys, I got three offers around two weeks back, out of which I accepted one and joined the company. Now, here comes the catch. I had accepted the offer via email, which did not provide much information such as the notice period, benefits, etc. It only included the CTC part and a few other insignificant details, which I accepted (via email only). I was informed verbally that I would receive a detailed appointment letter upon joining. I have still not received the appointment letter, which I was told would be given after around 2-3 weeks from now. I am not satisfied with most of the policies in this company and still have other offers on hold.

Can I Reject the Appointment Letter After Receiving It?

Can I reject the appointment letter after I receive it from HR to sign? For example, I heard (though I am not sure) that the notice period during probation is one month as per the appointment letter.

1. Can I reject the appointment letter by stating that a one-month notice period during probation was never communicated to me and is not acceptable?

2. If yes, how can I leave the organization based on this ground after rejection?

3. What will happen to my salary for this month in that case?

I understand this may not be entirely ethical, but companies have also taken advantage of me in the past. At present, I am more focused on choosing the best option for my future rather than anything else and avoiding regrets later on.

Please address my three questions so that I can depart from this position (with my current month's salary) and start with another company next month.

Thanks,

Rahul

I understand your problem. There is a way to move out even without any notice or the initial 10 to 15 days notice, as universally followed during the probation period. As you have not yet signed the appointment letter, there is no employee-employer relationship between you both. Therefore, you are not bound to follow any terms and conditions of the organization.

However, at the same time, you may have to forgo your dues as well. So, now it's your call, and best of luck with your future. Choose your new assignment carefully in the future.

Regards,
Tushar Swar

The joining date was December 15th, which was postponed to January 27th; therefore, I joined the company on the 27th. I received a salary for both December and January despite being at home, not working, and waiting for my joining date (which was not my fault).

HR Policy Regarding Resignation/Termination

a) The employment may be terminated at any time by either party by giving fifteen days' notice during the probation period and thirty days' notice on or after confirmation - subject to the following conditions:
1. The company may terminate this Letter of Appointment by giving you notice without assigning any reason whatsoever or with immediate or partial effect upon payment of basic salary equal to the period by which your notice period has been shortened, as payment in lieu of such shortened notice.
2. Your right to terminate this Letter of Appointment is subject to the following conditions:
i) Subject to the Service Conditions Agreement (if any).
ii) The company may, at its sole discretion, waive fully or partially the notice period with or without payment of an equivalent salary amount to the company for such waived-off period.

- Do I have to pay any amount if I resign during the probation period?
- Will they deduct my entire salary for the month of February if I resign?
- Will they take any legal action against me because they credited salary for December/January months?
- Point 2 (i, ii) is beyond my understanding.