Can I Get My Certificates Back Without Paying If I Resign During Probation?

Hi, I'm Vinutha Raghu. It's been a month since I joined a company, and at the time of joining, they asked for my original certificates and had me sign a contract stating that if I resign from the company within 2 years, I would have to pay one month's salary. Now, due to some personal reasons, I'm planning to resign. My question is, do I need to pay to retrieve my certificates since I am still on probation and it has only been a month?

Hi Vinutha, apparently, you are in the clutches of those guys to get back your certificates. This is an unfair labor practice—withholding certificates of employees unlawfully, coercing them to quit. Of course, you can use a legal course to retrieve your certificates, but I would suggest you not get entangled in litigations during your early career. Especially since there is also a bond signed that is still in force, apart from being in the probation period. It's better to settle the issue with one month's salary, calmly retrieve your certificates, and obtain a clean relieving letter to pursue better career options. If it works, meet with the concerned individuals and press for early release of the certificates, explaining your difficulties in continuing. Give it a try and exhaust all resources. All the best.