New Delhi, Feb. 17 -- The Kerala High Court recently observed that if an employer refuses to accept an employee's resignation, it amounts to "bonded labour."

According to Bar and bench, Justice N Nagaresh said that once an employee submits a resignation in accordance with the terms of employment, the employer has a duty to accept it, "unless there is a failure to comply with contractual conditions."

Justice N Nagaresh explained that resignation can be refused only in certain situations, such as:

1. When there is a requirement of notice period

2. 'Heat of the moment' resignations which may be withdrawn

3. Serious pending disciplinary proceedings involving major misconduct

4. Financial loss to the organisation

However, the court obse...