Hello,
I was recruited from campus by a MNC and joined in 2010. At the time, during orientation, there was a group of 300-350 new recruits and we were all asked to sign a cartload of documents. Among these was a confidentiality agreement and a one sided service bond with one year period with one lakh being the amount if breached. The offer letter has a clause stating that the offer is contingent upon agreeing to authorize the company to recover a sum of Rs.1,00,000 (Rupees One Lakh Only) as cost incurred towards training during the course of employment, in the event I leave the company before one year.
The training was roughly 30 days conducted at an external location and resembled an unofficial tuition centre. During this time, we had no access to company property. On completion of training (which I passed with a good percentage), I was not deployed immediately. Instead, I had to keep attending interviews within the company (after training), and I was sent from one location to another in the same city. The company has 5-6 locations in the city. They would tell me I was put into Project A, but then when I went to that location, they'd send me back to the resource allocation people who would make me wait for a week or two before putting me in Project B. This situation continued for 4 months. During this time, I spoke to my immediate manager, my HR, my resource allocation person and many others in order to improve my situation. Nothing happened.
Finally, I got an admit to higher studies. At this time, they put me in Project N and I said that I would rather go for higher studies since I had been going through this torture for 4 months. They said fine, got my resignation accepted, and sent me out.
One month after resignation, I was asked to pay 20000 to clear my settlements. I paid it. A week after that, I received my full and final settlement acknowledgement letter and my experience/relieving letter.
Then one month after that, I get another mail saying that I have to pay the initial training bond amount of Rs.100000. I tried to tell them that I have settled my accounts. They just keep telling me I have to pay within one week.
I am no longer employed. I am doing my studies. If I have to pay this, it will be coming out of my parents' pockets.
What are the legal ramifications of my situation should it go to court?
I would sincerely appreciate your views and suggestions on this.