Have you accepted the new rule in writing? Since you have reservations and are probably looking for future association with direct/in direct client companies you may not accept the new rule and may submit in writing under acknowledgment, that the new condition to not to be associated with direct or indirect competitor is not acceptable to you, and keep a copy. In case of any conflict the written record shall come to your rescue.
After consultation with your lawyer you may even mention that you shall not disclose any confidential information to the competitors. Company shall have to prove that you had access to sensitive information or you downloaded sensitive information.
You should understand that time has come to separate before the new clauses become applicable. Companies are known to press that the communications sent to employee become applicable even if employee has not accepted and thus burden the employee with litigation and bad practices such as notices to employee and future employers, adverse comments in reference check, blocking FNF settlement, gratuity, PF, relieving letter, service certificate, from 16 etc.
You may go thru the attachments:
Appointment letter Law of negative covenants in employment contract
And
Non Compete Clauses and The Indian Contract Act, 1972
posted at LCI.
In case of a dispute you may have to approach a competent and experienced service lawyer and courts have to take a qualified decision.
To the best of understanding the restraint is applicable till the employee is employed with the employer. Post employment restraint should not be applied.
Kindly obtain the copy of certified standing orders of your company. This may be available at HR page of intranet, or with concerned HR personnel. Standing Orders are to be displayed at the gate. If these are not available or circulated submit a written request to the good offices of your appointing authority, MD, Head-HR, to supply these to you by redg post immediately mentioning that these are not available at HR page, gate and with HR personnel Mr/Ms…… and are not circulated to you till date ( and other employees if it is true).It is felt that such a clause shall be against the certified standing orders of the company. Take care of non disclosure principle. Do not disclose salary of employees, manufacturing formulae etc. in writing or on any kind of record.
Mr. Beni Prasad has uploaded the attachment
https://www.lawweb.in/2012/04/injunction-restraining-employee-from.html
in forum at following thread:
Forum Home > Labour & Service Law > Employment > Injunction restraining employee from joining alternative co.
At following link:
https://www.lawyersclubindia.com/forum/Injunction-restraining-employee-from-joining-alternative-co--55012.asp
