Across India’s startup and tech sector, complaints around delayed salaries, employment bonds and harsh work culture have increasingly become common online. Many freshers entering the industry often accept strict terms because of limited opportunities and a difficult job market. In one such case now gaining attention on Reddit, a young software engineer claimed he was terminated just a day after asking the company about his unpaid salary.
According to the Reddit post, the employee had recently joined a startup in Noida as an associate software engineer trainee. He said the company made him sign a bond that involved depositing a cheque worth Rs 1 lakh before joining.
The employee shared that he was assigned to a client project and regularly worked long hours. He claimed he attended late-night meetings and often remained in office till around 7:30 pm or even 9:30 pm while handling implementation work, testing and understanding client requirements.
He also alleged that several employees had already resigned because of what he described as an “intolerable work culture.”
“They hadn't paid my salary of April, so I mailed hr, and the next day they terminated me,” the Reddit user wrote.
The employee further claimed that because the company already had his cheque deposit linked to the employment bond, he felt pressured during the exit process. He alleged that he was made to sign a full and final settlement document which stated that the company did not owe him any unpaid dues.
According to the post, he reminded the company that salary for nearly 45 days was still pending. However, he claimed the company responded by saying their policy allowed them to encash the cheque if an employee resigned or was terminated, and not doing so was already enough on their side. “I was so confused and scared and signed it,” he wrote.
The original poster later claimed in the comments that the manager “was vibe coding the whole project himself and he felt that he didn't need anyone.” He also alleged that the company later used incomplete medical documentation as a reason for his termination.
One commenter claiming to have a law background said the matter could amount to wrongful termination and advised the employee to seek legal advice. The same user also claimed that employment bonds are illegal in India.
Another user, however, urged caution and pointed out that legal proceedings in India can be time-consuming and financially draining. The commenter advised the employee to first consult a lawyer instead of depending entirely on internet advice.
The discussion also raised concerns about companies asking employees to deposit cheques as security for job bonds. Reacting to the post, one Reddit user wrote, “Seriously, are people depositing cheque for getting a job?”
The employee responded saying such practices have become “somewhat common” in certain companies and claimed that two of his friends had also faced similar demands.
According to the Reddit post, the employee had recently joined a startup in Noida as an associate software engineer trainee. He said the company made him sign a bond that involved depositing a cheque worth Rs 1 lakh before joining.
The employee shared that he was assigned to a client project and regularly worked long hours. He claimed he attended late-night meetings and often remained in office till around 7:30 pm or even 9:30 pm while handling implementation work, testing and understanding client requirements.
He also alleged that several employees had already resigned because of what he described as an “intolerable work culture.”
Salary query led to termination
The situation reportedly escalated after his April salary was not credited. The employee said he sent an email to the HR department asking about the pending payment. According to him, he was terminated the very next day.“They hadn't paid my salary of April, so I mailed hr, and the next day they terminated me,” the Reddit user wrote.
The employee further claimed that because the company already had his cheque deposit linked to the employment bond, he felt pressured during the exit process. He alleged that he was made to sign a full and final settlement document which stated that the company did not owe him any unpaid dues.
According to the post, he reminded the company that salary for nearly 45 days was still pending. However, he claimed the company responded by saying their policy allowed them to encash the cheque if an employee resigned or was terminated, and not doing so was already enough on their side. “I was so confused and scared and signed it,” he wrote.
Employee says sudden exit left him devastated
The engineer also explained the financial and personal impact of the termination. He said he had moved to Noida from another city and was staying in a rented PG accommodation. “I don't know what to do now, its so devastating,” the employee wrote, adding that both his time and money had been wasted.The original poster later claimed in the comments that the manager “was vibe coding the whole project himself and he felt that he didn't need anyone.” He also alleged that the company later used incomplete medical documentation as a reason for his termination.
Reddit users debate legality of bonds and termination
The Reddit post quickly drew strong reactions from users, many of whom discussed labour rights and employment practices.One commenter claiming to have a law background said the matter could amount to wrongful termination and advised the employee to seek legal advice. The same user also claimed that employment bonds are illegal in India.
Another user, however, urged caution and pointed out that legal proceedings in India can be time-consuming and financially draining. The commenter advised the employee to first consult a lawyer instead of depending entirely on internet advice.
The discussion also raised concerns about companies asking employees to deposit cheques as security for job bonds. Reacting to the post, one Reddit user wrote, “Seriously, are people depositing cheque for getting a job?”
The employee responded saying such practices have become “somewhat common” in certain companies and claimed that two of his friends had also faced similar demands.
