Facing Legal Threats for Leaving Job Due to COVID-19 Fears: What Are My Options?

Left without Notice Period Due to Corona Fear

I joined a company on March 15 and left on March 16 because the job required full-time outdoor work (collections), meeting many people, which made me afraid to work. Even though the Government of India implemented a complete lockdown from March 24, after 5 months, the company is asking me to pay 3 months' salary (around 1 lakh) and is harassing me. They are not even listening to what I have to say. I am from a different state, and if I get infected, no one is there to care for me. What should I do now? Please, can anyone suggest something? They have mentioned they will take legal action. They can consider it a joining dropout, but they are not willing.

Kindly suggest something.

Despite the fact that the employer has the right to insist on serving the notice period, it would be too harsh for them to demand cash in lieu of notice. Not fair. How big is this company? Do you think it's worth continuing there, or would it be better to seek opportunities elsewhere? What have you been doing since you left on 16 Mar.? If you are willing to go through the legal process, I don't think they will prolong it excessively. Did you submit any joining report or did you just walk in and out the next day? Did you sign any acceptance and take over some responsibilities? (In any case, this experience will not be considered for any future prospects). If you did, then you should resign formally. If not, my suggestion is to send them a letter stating that the joining was withdrawn as not accepted due to the Corona lockdown.

You worked for only one day and left. Your company is asking for three months' salary from you. It is ridiculous.

Appointment Letter and Employment Terms

Has your company issued you any appointment letter? If yes, what is the clause in the appointment letter for separation? Was your employment on probation, or were you taken on as a confirmed employee? What position was offered to you? How big is this employer?

Notice Period and Legal Rights

I fail to understand how this employer has the right to insist on serving the notice period, and that too of three months. It would be unwise for the employer to pursue legal action against you. I advise you to ignore the threat from the employer. At most, you can write to the employer about your inability to continue your employment after working for one day and therefore treat the joining as withdrawn, as suggested by our esteemed member Prof. Kumar.