Severance Agreement

Sneha Prasad
Hi,
I resigned from a small 12 member sized design firm, and was asked to terminate my job the following day.
I was also pressurized to sign a 10 page \"Non disclosure\" and \" Severance agreement and general release of all claims\" documents on the same day. I refused to sign it until I fully understood the documents. On consulting with a lawyer, i was told that the agreements are one sided, and that they would harm my future prospects in the industry.
I have several questions:
1. Am I legally bound to sign these documents?
2. The severance agreement document does not offer me a severance package. What is required by the Indian law?
3. The company is threatening to hold back my paycheck and the relieving letter. What action can be taken from my end?
Thank you in advance for taking time to go through this.
Madhu.T.K
On leaving what is the requirement of an agreement is not known. To my understanding agreement restricting one from taking up employment elsewhere is illegal. But better follow the directions of the lawyer you have already consulted about the matter.
Regards,
Madhu.T.K
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