No, non-compete clauses are generally not enforceable against employees. However, employers often find other ways to create hurdles for someone joining a new firm. It is also quite common for them to contact the prospective employer and provide negative feedback about the employee. Unfortunately, this is fairly rampant across many top firms.

Are non-compete clauses even enforceable against employees? Aren’t they hit by the restraint of trade provisions of ICA? My understanding is that they are only enforceable against vendors who sell goodwill.

Secondly, I thought even employment bonds are not enforceable unless there is a clawback clause.

Could someone please enlighten?

I was asked to sign a 3 year bond in the RE team. They didn't let me take the offer letter out of the office saying it's confidential (LOL?). I wasn't even allowed to keep a copy of it. The terms of the bond? exploitative. Its you either serve 3 years with us, or give us 6 months of your pay as 'training cost' and non-compete with a rival firm for another 6 months post quitting. When questioned, the partner guilt-tripped me by saying we put so much efforts into training a fresher and they end up leaving us after a few years and that makes our efforts go in vain. Absolutely did not sign anything. Since most of them are former Luthra guys, I thought im getting into a decent firm. But seems as if they forget that they have children too and would definitely not want their kids working under such suffocating circumstances. But when it comes to others kids, they turn a blind eye and exploit them left right and centre. It would have been a dream come true if it wasn't for that bond. Unless they have since changed their unfair practices, I would not recommend you sign anything under such unreasonable conditions at all.