Facing a Legal Notice for Breaking a Service Bond Without an Appointment Letter – What Should I Do?

SuzanSiff
I was working as a software developer trainee in an IT company. I signed a service bond (only 5 lines on a 100rs stamp paper) that stated if I leave the company within 2 years from the date xx-xx-2016, I have to give them 1,00,000rs. However, they didn't issue any appointment letter that explains my role, salary, training, resignation procedure, etc. They were only providing me with a 6000rs salary every month to my bank account. I worked there for 5 months, and they started telling me that I am not worth 6000rs, which hurt me a lot. I left the company by sending a resignation through email with a good review only, without stating any bad remarks. Now, they are sending me a legal notice through a lawyer to pay the compensation amount (service bond amount) of 1,00,000.

Key Issues with the Employment Agreement

1. Only a Service Bond signed on a 100rs stamp paper (only 5 lines of a statement).

2. No appointment letter was given.

3. Only a 6000rs per month salary to the bank account, no PF, nothing.

4. They orally said after 3 months they would increase my salary to 12000rs, so I signed the bond.

5. I was from a distant place, I stayed there in a PG. 6000rs per month is very difficult for living, especially for 2 years.

Seeking Advice

What should I do now? I don't have money to spend on a lawyer. Can I neglect the lawyer's notice?

Regards
riteshmaity
Understanding Service Bonds and Legal Notices

Service bonds or agreements are generally invalid, irrespective of the points 1-5 mentioned by you hereinabove. If you have been provided with any special training, then the cost of such training can only be recovered through this bond, nothing more. The bond cannot be used to withhold an employee.

Since they have sent you a legal notice, you should reply to such notice without delay through a lawyer only.

Before providing further advice, it is essential to know the content of your resignation letter as well as the legal notice sent by the company.

Regards,
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