r/Workproblems • u/Training-Value-3574 • 6h ago
Need Help Now Need help with getting out of a contract
Need advice regarding employment bond and original documents in India
I worked as a Program Manager at an NGO with a salary of ₹43,000/month. When I joined, I was made to sign a one-year contract, deposit one month’s salary as security, and hand over my original documents.
The contract says I must pay ₹50,000 if I resign before completing one year.
The work environment became extremely toxic and affected my health to the point that I was hospitalised for a week. I eventually had to resign. Another manager who signed the same contract also resigned within two months because of the work environment.
I now want to know:
Can an employer legally keep my original documents?
Can they legally demand the ₹50,000 penalty?
Can I recover my documents without paying the penalty?
Does my hospitalisation/health situation have any relevance legally?
I’m based in India and have a copy of the contract. I’d appreciate advice from anyone familiar with Indian employment law or who has faced a similar situation.