Facing a Court Summons After Leaving an IT Job: How to Handle Missing Payment Proof?

Dear Experts, If someone can attend to my question and help me in this matter.

Background of the Issue

I joined and left an Indian IT company in Hyderabad within 2 days. I joined the company in May 2012 and left during the same month, informing them through my personal email and explaining my urgency and personal reasons via phone and email.

During my time there, I signed all the contracts of employment letters as per their norms. They are a CMM5-level company.

Current Legal Situation

Now, I received the first letter 'Legal Notice' from the company lawyer asking for money for settlement. I responded by sending the requested amount via DD by courier. I called them and got an acknowledgment via phone from them.

Further, I did not keep any track, and I cannot find any proof of payment, as I sent it through DD and missed the copy of it. Now, all of a sudden, we received a letter of Summons from the court and are to appear in court on 30th Dec, which is in 7 days. I am clueless and scared as I have no idea about this matter at all. I am looking for help from an expert out here.

Best Regards

Go to your bank and get details of the DD which you have made. The DD would have been paid by a cheque from your bank account, and using all those details, information can be obtained. Kindly provide the legal notice wordings on the forum (mask names, etc.) so that legal experts on the forum can offer advice. Check with the courier company for details of the delivery. It is not clear what else you were expected to do if, as you state, the demanded amount has been paid. Details need to be provided for better understanding. Most importantly, speak to a local lawyer in your area.

"I did not keep any track as well no proof of payment I can found"

Very casual on your part, and this is what has put you in a situation of facing legal proceedings. But what I cannot make out is, after payment, why has the company gone legal?? Any other terms and conditions which have been breached?? The case pertains to May 2012, and now the matter is going to be legal - why after 3.6 years? What is the history or cause of legal proceedings being launched so late??

Additional Steps to Take in Legal Disputes

What else, apart from asking for compensation, did the company write in the original notice? The company has not acknowledged the payment in full and final settlement of their claim, which is important to note here. Anyway, you should contact a good lawyer and ask for their opinion now that the time available is short. Your payment details will be available with the bank through which you bought the Demand Draft (DD). That can be proved. Contact them also for details of the clearance of the DD.

When you paid, your intention was good. But the employer seems to be a complicated one. You have also been casual about it inasmuch as you have not closed the loose ends here. I wish you good luck in your legal battle and also for the future.

Regards

Try approaching the bank to get the DD details to confirm if it has been encashed and by whom. Present the summons to the Bank Manager, who should assist you.

Dear Deekun,

It's a court matter. Hire a lawyer and deal with the issue as advised by the lawyer.

Best regards,
RDS Yadav