Worried About Employment Bond Cheque After Surgery? Seeking Advice on Possible Legal Action

Hi, I have an issue with my employer. At the time of joining, I provided a 1 lakh rupee cheque as my employment bond. I was in the office for only two days. After that, due to health issues, I underwent surgery. Currently, I am unable to continue my job as I need to rest for 3-4 months. I informed my HR about my health problem, and they requested all documents related to my surgery. They mentioned they would not wait for three months. However, I have not received any response to my email, and they are not communicating. I am concerned about my cheque. Please help me with this matter. I am worried if my employer will take legal action. Your assistance in resolving this matter is appreciated.

Hi Shiva, sorry to hear about your health issues. Is it true that you only worked for 2 days since you reported to this office? And you were hospitalized, under convalescence, if I read it correctly? If yes, I can't imagine any office, in the normal course, would allow 3-4 months of leave (not earned), maybe an unauthorized leave, especially during the Probation Period. I suggest you should somehow meet with HR and others who can consider your case and try to sort out the issue. Waiting for emails won't work. If they mind, your check may be processed for encashment. It's an emergency; don't wait for things to happen and explore all avenues.

Dear Mr. Kumar, A new appointee falling ill suddenly just after two days of joining and requiring surgical treatment involving post-treatment bed rest for some months is a situation beyond anyone's control. Therefore, normal rules of employment like compulsory and continuous attendance, restrictions on leave on loss of pay, enforcement of bond conditions, etc., should be, in my personal opinion, put off by any considerate and reasonable employer after a dispassionate assessment of the situation. If his health permits, of course, the poster may make a personal representation to the Management through the HR as aptly suggested by you. Had the check issued by him towards the bond amount not yet been realized, can't he issue stop-payment instructions to the bank in case the employer is being adamant and inconsiderate? After all, rules are only man-made, not God-given.

@kumar Sir,

I have met with my HR and informed them about my health issue. They mentioned that they will not wait for 3 months and requested me to send all the documents related to my surgery via email.

I have forwarded all my documents to my HR through email. However, there has been no response from their side yet.

Please advise me on the next steps to take.

Dear Shiva,

Are you still on extended leave or fit enough to resume your duty? Advising a 'stop payment' is an option to save you from the stress you are undergoing, but that is not ethical, though. Coming to worse can be used, but still, much would depend on how you could convince your office. I would suggest you should meet with them again and give it a try. The silence from them, I'm afraid, suggests something different. First, take care of your health and ensure that you are fit enough for duty soonest.

Thank you.