Pune: Hinjawadi IT Employee Forced to Sign Unfair Contract for Salary Hike
Hinjawadi, 2nd September 2025: A female employee at an IT firm in Hinjawadi alleges that she was coerced into signing an unfair bond as a condition for a new project assignment and salary increment, despite having worked at the company for three years.
The contract reportedly stated that if the employee resigns within six months, she would be required to return the salary increase. The Forum for IT Employees has condemned this practice, calling it an illegal attempt to hold employees hostage.
According to the Indian Contract Act, 1872, any agreement restricting an employee’s right to resign voluntarily is invalid. Both the Supreme Court and High Courts have ruled that such contracts exploit workers. Experts note that companies can recover costs only for actual training expenses with documented proof, and cannot demand back salary or salary increments.
“No company can bind its current employees into a new contract. Salary increments are a reward for performance, not a tool to create dependency,” stated the Forum.
Guidance for Employees
Refuse to sign unfair contracts.
Exercise the right to resign by following the notice period in the appointment letter.
File complaints with the Labour Commissioner or the IT Forum if coercion is experienced.
Past Instances of Coercion
This is not the first case of alleged pressure in the IT sector. Recently, a senior employee of a prominent IT company, who had served for 12 years, was reportedly coerced to quit. The incident sparked criticism in the sector over policies that overlook the future security of employees while implementing workforce reductions.
