Facing Suspension After Questioning CEO's Behavior: What Are My Options?

Hello all,

I am an intern working for a company, DeFacto Infotech. They hired me through campus on the terms that they would provide 6 months of training, followed by an assessment to finalize the package. Additionally, there is a bond from the time of joining for 3 years. In case I leave, they mentioned a training cost of 4 lakh that I would have to pay. After completing 6 months, they have not finalized the assessment, which led me to raise this concern in a meeting with other trainees and the CEO regarding the delay.

During the meeting, when I questioned the delay, the CEO became angry and started defaming me, calling me a useless guy and making other derogatory remarks. I objected to this treatment and stated that if he felt I was useless, I did not wish to continue working for the company. Subsequently, I was asked to leave the meeting. There is an official recording of this meeting.

Later that same day, I received an email from HR informing me that I am suspended until further notice due to the confrontation and supposed rude behavior. It has been almost 2 weeks, and I have not received any further communication regarding rejoining. Furthermore, the salary they paid me was based on an intern pay scale, whereas other colleagues received a one-time payment for the last month based on the average salary, to be adjusted upon finalization after the assessment.

I am seeking advice on how to proceed in this situation. Should I consider sending a legal notice to the company to inquire about the reason for my suspension, which seemingly occurred because I asked a question that irritated the CEO and later objected to being defamed by him?

I am also curious about the legality of the bond that was signed before training. I have reservations about continuing to work for this company, as I fear I will be targeted by the CEO until the completion of the bond if I choose to stay.

Thank you for your guidance on the best course of action in this matter.

It looks like the organization is playing a game of 'who blinks first' with you. They want you to submit your resignation, which they will accept, and then insist on the bond money.

So, it is better to wait for some time until the organization makes a decision. At any rate, they have decided your fate by suspending you, and as you anticipate the coming days, they will only get tougher. When you feel it is appropriate, you can talk to HR about the separation process.

I hope your original testimonials are not with them. If any background verification (BGV) comes to them, you may not receive a favorable review.

Hello KK, Thank you for the response. I would like to ask one more thing regarding the reply to the email they sent about my suspension. Should I not reply to counter the allegations they made that I don't agree with? I received this suspension without any disciplinary inquiry report. Is it valid to suspend me without any inquiry or report solely based on their understanding that I was misbehaving?

Yes, you should strongly refute the allegations and stoutly defend your position. You should particularly highlight the fact that until the unfortunate incident, nothing adverse was pointed out to you, and suddenly after you sought information, you became useless. You also indicate that you were interested in serving the organization for long.

Let us wait and see the response, but don't volunteer to quit.

Hello KK, I want your advice on what to do next as it's almost a month, and I haven't received any response from the company. The CEO is currently outside the country, and HR has mentioned that they can't take any action in this case. They stated that only the CEO can decide once he returns. What should I do next? Should I consider sending a legal notice, or can I resign? If I choose to resign, will I be able to avoid the bond amount by citing the wrongful suspension and the lack of response even after a month? Your advice would be greatly appreciated.