Debunking the Myth: Has Infosys Really Sued Employees for Non-Payment of Bond Agreements?
Debunking the Myth: Has Infosys Really Sued Employees for Non-Payment of Bond Agreements?
In the tech industry, the bond agreement requirement often raises concerns among new hires. Here, we delve into the legal landscape surrounding bond agreements with Infosys, dispelling common myths and providing clarity for potential employees.
Overview of Bond Agreements at Infosys
Bond agreements are a common practice in the tech industry, particularly for companies like Infosys that invest heavily in training and specialized skills for their new hires. While Infosys does enforce these agreements, the situation is more nuanced than it may appear from casual emails or informal advice.
Legal Pursuit by Infosys for Breach of Bond Agreements
Although Infosys has taken legal action against employees for breaching bond agreements in the past, the frequency and severity of these actions vary widely. These bond agreements are typically incorporated into the employment contract and serve as a form of financial safeguard for the company in the event of an employee leaving before completing their assigned training period or service commitment.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay the Bond Amount?
There is a common misconception that failing to pay the bond amount will result in severe legal consequences, including lawsuits or negative reviews on professional platforms like NASSCOM's website. However, the reality is more complex:
Only if you want an experience certificate, do you need to pay the bond amount. The bond agreement does not make you liable in court. In several cases, Indian courts have ruled that service bonds signed by employees are against the provisions of Section 27 of the Indian Contract Act, making them non-binding.Therefore, you are not required to pay the bond amount if you do not want the experience certificate. Ignore all such demands and do not acknowledge them. As many employees have found, Infosys and similar companies tend not to pursue such cases aggressively over time.
Faith in the Legal System: Anecdotal Evidence
Personal experiences from current and former employees offer additional insights. For example, many have noted that:
Infosys does not pursue such lawsuits often. Even if they do pursue litigation, the outcome is frequently in favor of the employee. Ignoring communication and couriers from Infosys can effectively halt further legal action.One employee shared their experience: "After a few months of non-response to emails, Infosys ceased all further communication, effectively dropping the matter. This happened with me, but not with Infosys—I faced similar issues with Accenture."
Conclusion
The myth that Infosys frequently sues employees for non-payment of bond agreements is largely unfounded. The legal system, coupled with practical experience, indicates that the company rarely takes such actions. It's important for potential employees to understand the true nature of these agreements and to act accordingly. Pay the bond amount only if the experience certificate is a necessity, and otherwise, safely ignore any such demands.