Company deducting ₹33,000 from my internship stipend for laptop damage – no written policy, HR verbally promised reimbursement. What are my options?

[User_0d6fe7d0]

U

User_0d6fe7d0
PARTICIPANT
May 4, 2026 at 4:19 pm

Hi everyone,

I am a BTech final year student and I completed an internship at a Delhi-based tech startup. I need legal advice on a stipend dispute.

***Situation:***

During my internship, the company laptop I was using got damaged. It was not intentional. I immediately informed the company an hour later about the incident in good faith.

At that time, HR verbally told me that I could get it repaired and the company would reimburse the cost. I acted entirely based on this verbal instruction.

I was never informed, verbally or in writing, that I would personally have to bear any portion of the repair or replacement cost.

***What happened when I left:***

After completing my notice period, I waited over a month for my stipend to be credited. On the exact day it was supposed to arrive, HR called and informed me that ₹33,000 would be deducted from my stipend of ₹36,000–37,000 toward laptop damage recovery.

This is the first time I was told I have any personal liability for this cost.

***About the policy:***

The only document shared with me at the time of joining was a Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement. I have reviewed it carefully – there is NO mention anywhere of asset damage recovery, laptop damage policy, or any obligation to bear equipment repair costs.

***What I have done so far:***

I sent a formal email to the founders raising this concern, stating:

* HR verbally assured reimbursement
* No written policy covers this
* I was informed only on the day stipend was due
* This has caused serious financial hardship It has been 3 days with no response and I don’t think they are even going to reply. I come from financial strained background and losing almost 1.5 months of stipend is really dishearting for me.

***My questions:***

* Do I have a valid case given that HR gave verbal reimbursement assurance and there is no written damage recovery policy?
* Can I file a complaint with the Labour Commissioner or any portal for withholding earned stipend without written policy basis?
* Is there any other legal recourse available to me as an intern in India?

Any advice would be really helpful. Thank you. 🙏

Share

[Author]

Posts