Resigned Without Notice Due to Manager's Behavior: Now Facing a Demand for Compensation – What Should I Do?

I recently joined a startup of around 10 people based in Gurgaon. My notice period in that organization was 3 months. I resigned from the organization within 2 months without serving any notice due to the manager's bad behavior.

When I emailed them the resignation letter, the HR emailed me back asking only to submit the access card and drawer key. There was no mention of serving the notice period in HR's response email.

After one month of resigning from that organization, they sent me a notice via courier asking me to serve the notice period of 3 months or pay them compensation in lieu, which amounts to Rs. 2 Lakhs. Could you please advise me on what I should do, as I have already joined another company? Is it even justified to send such a notice after 1 month of resignation? Please help me.

Further, please note that the notice period of the company was as follows:

"For the employee, it was a notice period of 3 months, while from the employee's side, it was 1 month."

Is such a notice period even justifiable?

Thanks

Such notices from the employer have no legal validity.

Ignore for the time being. In case any further notice or issue comes up, frame a reply in consultation with a labor advocate.

In my mind, the compensation asked is simply a figure out of their mind and has no bearing.

Since you left the company within two months of joining, you do not need to serve a three-month notice. Moreover, they took your access card and drawer key, which amounts to taking over your responsibilities. Probably, you need to serve one month's notice or salary in lieu of your resignation. However, if you can provide a copy of your appointment letter, it would be easier to understand and provide appropriate suggestions. Furthermore, you may disregard the two months of service with them.

Dear Nathrao and Dayanand Sir, thank you for your response. They have sent me two letters, one via speed post and another via courier with the same date. I don't have any company assets, etc., in my possession. I don't know why they are mentally harassing me. Please tell me if I need to respond to this or what I should do.

I don't need any experience, relieving, or settlement from them. I am not even including that experience on my CV. Attached is the appointment letter for your reference. Please advise me. I need help.

Thank you.