Facing a Legal Notice for Breaking a Job Bond: What Are My Options Now?

I am working in the private sector in the plastic field. I recently received a legal notice from my previous company, which is located in Pune. They are claiming 3 lakh rupees for breaking their company rules. In my previous company, there is a bonding system in which I had to work for 3 years. There is a notice period of 2 months, and if I cannot complete that notice period, then I have to pay 1 lakh rupee. Additionally, after leaving that company, I cannot join any competitor company for the next 3 years. If I do, I have to pay them 2 lakh rupees. I gave them a notice period of 1 month and 5 days and then left that company to join another company in the same field. Please help me with what I can do now.

Many points will arise.

Did the company give you specialized training? Did the company provide you with relieving papers when you left? The company cannot prevent you from working in any other company. You are not expected to disclose the technical processes of the old company, data, or any other working secrets that you became aware of while working there. Please consult a lawyer and respond after showing him all the related documents.

No company gave me any specialized training. No company provided me with relieving papers when I left. Additionally, no company paid me my salary for the last month.

Legal matters always need to be attended to in time. Consult a lawyer and seek their advice.

As suggested by a learned member in the columns, it is good to get in touch with a professional as you are already in receipt of a legal notice. Did you sign any document wherein it was agreed that you will not join any competitor for a specified period? Are you in the technical/specialized sector where you may be privy to confidential information pertaining to your company that is not in the public domain?

If you have signed the above, being in the technical side, you are bound by the conditions as laid out. Did you receive the relieving letter and full and final settlement at the time of leaving your previous company? You better be equipped with all the details when you meet the lawyer. You cannot plead ignorance after signing the documents unless you are treated unfairly or not in line with the principles of natural justice.

Thanks and Regards