Feeling Trapped by a Job Bond and Unbearable Work Conditions – Can I Escape Legally?

Seeking Advice on Employment Bond and Work Conditions

I am working in a medium-sized company in South India. I traveled 2000 km for this job. They hired me through an online test and a telephonic interview. The eligibility criteria were high (minimum 85% starting from 10th grade). When they hired me, I asked them if it was tech support. They said it's not tech support and that I would need to work on rotational shifts. However, after joining, I signed a 2-year bond on normal papers. The terms stated that they can fire me at any time without reason. But if I want to leave within these 2 years, I have to pay 1.5 lakhs, or else they will sue me in a fast-track court.

After joining, they placed me in tech support, specifically on night shifts, without any training. I am working 14 hours a day. I joined 2 months ago, and I am only having dinner, skipping breakfast and lunch. Now, I am totally sick, having lost 15 kg in weight, and my dress size has reduced from 32 to less than 28. I am extremely unwell as they deceived me. I am now stuck in a tech support job with no career prospects outside this company. The worst part is that the company terminates employees without reason. In the past 2 months, they have fired around 10 members. They are struggling to hire people for this tech support role as no one is willing to work in this field.

Please suggest to me. I came 2000 km for this job and am only eating once a day while working 14 hours. I fear I will not survive if I continue like this. I cannot afford to pay such a large amount of 1.5 lakhs. I come from a poor family, which is why I traveled so far. I have missed out on many opportunities because of this company. I am considering leaving, but I am unsure if they can sue me. Is the bond legally enforceable in India? Please advise me on how I can escape from this job.

Regards

The best option for you is to quit without notice. They will not give you any relieving documents, but be prepared to accept the last two months as if you were touring Mumbai. Look out for a fresh job, appearing as a new recruit. Do not mention the last job; make up some story about having to tend to someone very dear in the family in your village, etc. From your post, I presume you are bright enough to get another job before long. All the best.

Word of Caution to All New Joiners

In your desperation to land a job out of campus, please do not sign anything that comes along. If you are promised anything by the company, ask them to put it in writing. It saves a lot of time and reduces your blood pressure. Agreements signed on blank paper or on judicial stamp paper—the fact remains that it all ends up in legal tangles, which costs time, money, headache, and energy wastage. Isn't it better to be avoided?

Resign if you want to; this bond is only a mental barrier. They cannot sue you as the agreement is not balanced, and this also goes against the constitution of India, which prohibits bonded labor. Be prepared to receive no relieving letter from the company. Be least bothered about the bond as it is legally not valid.