Can My Company Enforce an Unsigned Bond After Onsite Travel? Seeking Legal Advice

I have just completed my notice period with xxxx. During my 3-month notice period, I had to travel onsite for 2 weeks on a business visa, and for this, I did not sign any bond with the company. On the last day, HR informed me that there is an unsigned bond for onsite travel, stating that I have to complete 4 months after returning from onsite, or else pay 2 lakhs. This information was only provided on the last working day, not even during the clearance process or when receiving tickets for onsite travel.

In the past, I have signed several physical bonds which required me to sign, get a notary stamp and seal, and then submit to HR. However, there is no such bond in this case. My question now is, can xxxx enforce this unsigned bond? How can I legally challenge this?

Thank you for your valuable advice.

Regards, Screwedby xxxx

I recommend making your post anonymous immediately. With whom did you speak in HR? Did you escalate the matter? What are their views? Do you have any HR policy that states if an employee is sent abroad on a business visa, they need to pay Rs 2 Lakh in case of exit? Please check the HR portal of your company. The former HR Head is the current CEO of your company. He is expected to foster an employee-friendly environment. Nevertheless, let us wait for the outcome of your escalation.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Understanding the Business Visit

What was the business visit for? Was it for training or just a normal business trip? If the bond is unsigned, legally, they cannot force you to pay. Were you on the notice period, and yet the company sent you abroad? You have grounds to fight it out, but remember, xxxx has deep pockets and can get the best legal help to take you to court. Seek a middle path and try to convince management by discussing the unsigned bond, last-minute intimation of the bond amount, etc. Also, the company knew you were leaving as you were on the notice period. Tactfully highlight their legal weaknesses and try to extricate yourself in a friendly manner to the extent possible.

Few answers:

1) It was a "business trip" for "meetings". No training.
2) The old policy was to have a written, signed (and notarized) bond for all visa and travel requests. I am not sure when it was changed, but I did not sign any such bond for this situation.
3) I did speak with HR and tried to escalate the issue, but there has been no progress yet.

PS: How does one change the original post (or any other setting) for anonymous?

Thanks.

I do not think the company can enforce an unsigned bond. Try to escalate the matter to higher-ups beyond HR if necessary.