Legal Consequences and Procedures for Leaving Infosys During Probation: A Comprehensive Guide

Leaving Infosys during the probation period can be a challenging and potentially risky decision. It is crucial to understand the legal and procedural ramifications associated with such a move. This guide will explore the legal consequences of absconding, as well as the steps Infosys takes to enforce compliance.

The Obligations of Employees During Probation

When you join Infosys, you are expected to abide by certain conditions stipulated in your employment contract and offer letter. These obligations primarily revolve around:

Notice Period: Employees must serve the notice period specified in their offer letter. Bond Amount: A bond payment is required as part of the legal agreement. This amount is to be paid if the employee leaves without adhering to the notice period or other terms of the contract.

Failure to comply with these obligations can lead to severe consequences, including blacklisting and difficulty in securing employment with other major corporations.

Consequences of Absconding Without Notice or Bond

If you decide to leave Infosys without serving the notice period or paying the bond, the following steps are taken:

Legal Notice: Infosys will send a formal legal notice to your address, demanding repayment for any unpaid dues. Ignoring this notice can result in further legal complications. Blacklisting: You will be marked as an absconder on the National Skills Registry and Infosys internal database. This makes it difficult to secure employment with other MNCs in the future. No Experience Certificates: During background checks, Infosys will not provide any experience certificates, which can hinder your job search. PF Information: Your previous employment is linked to your PF (Provident Fund) account, making it visible to any future employers via the UAN (Unique Account Number) portal.

Options and Negotiations

Employees can negotiate with the HR department to reduce the notice period or bond amount, especially in cases where there are extenuating circumstances such as:

Government service or military enrollment Higher education Family issues Health issues

HR and project teams are often lenient in such situations, understanding the complexities of personal life.

Legal Action and Realities

While Infosys may send legal notices, the probability of actual legal action is low. Here are some key points:

Blacklisting: Infosys will blacklist you, making it extremely difficult to find employment with the company in the future. PF Issues: You might face complications in withdrawing PF funds, which can cause financial strain. Legal Impossibility: In the Indian legal system, the labor law protects the wages earned. Bond payments are not legally enforceable in cases where work has been completed. Notice Disappearances: Even legal notices can disappear if the person changes their contact information. Out of every 100 cases, only 5 make it to civil court, with the remaining 95 cases dropped due to non-response.

Infosys and other large corporations hope that the recipient of the notice will be intimidated into making a settlement. However, if the individual changes their contact information, legal proceedings may be hindered.

Conclusion

It is essential to approach the termination process with due caution. Discuss your concerns with your manager and HR to find a mutual resolution. If you do leave, ensure you fulfill your obligations to avoid the aforementioned consequences. Remember that leaving without notice or bond payment can significantly impact your career prospects and financial standing.