Can an Offer Letter Legally Serve as an Appointment Letter? Seeking Advice on Next Steps

Issue with Offer and Appointment Letters

I joined a company three months ago, where I signed the offer letter that was previously emailed to me. After joining, I did not receive an appointment or joining letter, even after asking verbally. Additionally, there were no pay slips provided. I discovered a major problem with the company and its process management, as there was none. There was no training or knowledge transfer.

I secured a new job and left the company with a resignation letter without serving the notice period, having worked there for only one month. Subsequently, I was demanded to pay different amounts of money in various emails from the company head. Now, I have received a legal notice stating that I have to pay 1 lakh as per the "appointment letter." In some places, he has mentioned "the offer/appointment letter signed by me."

Question: Can an Offer Letter Be Treated as an Appointment Letter?

I need to know if the offer letter can be treated as an appointment letter. What should I do next?

Thank you.

Dear Meet,

Have you read the offer letter? Does it have a clause stating payment of Rs. 1 lakh? Please let me know what was written.

What was the understanding of the offer letter? Did you notice at that time any clauses that are against your thinking? If you had accepted the offer letter, that means you were agreeing to all the terms of the offer. Now, I don't think something can be done unless it is against any laws of the land, and you can take legal recourse to.

Best wishes