Stuck in an Employee Bond Dilemma: How Can I Negotiate a Fair Exit with My Company?

Hi, I joined XXX Construction as a postgraduate engineer trainee in 2018. Before joining, they asked me to sign an employee bond for two years worth rupees 2,00,000/-. After serving 14 months, I resigned from the organization by properly serving the notice period. I requested them several times to reduce the bond amount on a prorate basis, but they refused. They are consistently calling and sending emails stating that they will send a legal notice.

I did not receive any training during my probation period or any other facilities. Despite this, I worked very sincerely and developed new tools that helped the organization in the long run. I am seeking the relieving letter and experience certificate for the period I worked. I am willing to pay based on a prorate basis. How should I proceed further in this case?

Hi,

When you are signing a Bond/Training Agreement, it is implied that you accept the terms and conditions of the agreement which were mutually agreed upon by both parties. It is not clear why you departed before the completion of the bond period.

You have mentioned that you resigned after serving the proper notice period. Was your resignation and the duration of the notice period discussed with your employer and agreed upon? Please communicate with your HR department to resolve this matter amicably.

Dear Lakshminarayanan, I spoke to the HR team, and they accepted my resignation and agreed to my notice period, but they are insisting on payment of the bond amount. On what basis are they asking for an amount of 2 lakhs even though I signed the bond, but they didn't provide any training, and I didn't receive any skill development from them? As per the Indian court, an employee needs to pay the bond amount only if the employer has spent on the employee by providing training, etc.

The reason behind my resignation is that I didn't like the work they assigned, which is purely documentational rather than technical. I would like to ask for a list of expenses incurred during my training because, to my knowledge, the expenses don't amount to 2 lakhs.

The argument now is purely a matter of details. They have a bond, and you say no training was given justifying a Rs2 lakh bond. Now only a court can decide upon the merits of the issue. The best way is to try for an amicable resolution, or the affair may end up in court. The company's stand is clear - pay the bond value if you wish to exit. You claim no training is given, etc., to justify Rs 2 lakhs. Who can decide who is right in the matter? I hope you get my drift. So try for a resolution or complete the 2-year period before exit.