Facing Legal Trouble Over a Job Offer from a Client: What Should I Do?

I have been working for almost 2.5 years in a service-based company, which is among the top 5 Indian service companies. My query is that now I have been offered a job from the client company for which I am currently working, and this offer is almost double the salary of my present one. I have accepted the offer, but now my company has become aware of this and is trying to initiate legal proceedings against me (location: India).

Legal Concerns Regarding Job Offer

Can anyone guide me on what issues are involved in this matter? Will they hold my relieving letter? The appointment letter states that after separation from the company, we are not supposed to accept an offer from the client or customer for a period of six months with whom we have worked. Please guide me on this issue as soon as possible.

Relieving Letter and Legal Restrictions

The company can hold your relieving letter because it is issued following their internal administrative procedures, but they cannot legally block you from joining their competitors because any negative covenant is void. As per Section 27 of the Contract Act, a service agreement extending beyond the termination of employment is illegal and void.

Please follow my blog article on this as well.

Regards,
Madhu T.K