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Submit your complaint →Satvinder Randhawa, a corporate trainer and life coach, has accused NIIT Limited and its Delivery Head, Ms. Ritu Kumar, of withholding ₹1,10,000 for training sessions conducted for HDFC Bank’s new joiners. Despite completing the program successfully, payments remain pending for over a year. Choice4Voice.com highlights the issue and explores possible legal remedies for unpaid professional dues.
Complaint Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Satvinder Randhawa |
| Not disclosed | |
| Not disclosed | |
| Complaint Type | Non-payment / Professional Dispute |
| Company / Brand | NIIT Limited |
| Associated Organization | HDFC Bank |
| Concerned Persons | Ms. Ritu Kumar (Delivery Head), Prashant Singh Chauhan |
| Service Provided | Corporate training – HDFC Bank New Joiners Induction Program, Ludhiana |
| Total Amount Due | ₹1,10,000 |
| Date of Engagement | September 2023 |
| Company’s Response | No acknowledgment or reply to emails, messages, or calls |
| Complainant’s Action | Multiple follow-ups, final public complaint on LinkedIn |
| Complaint Status | Unresolved |
Full Complaint Write-Up
Mr. Satvinder Randhawa, a respected BFSI, Soft Skills, and Corporate Trainer, has publicly called out NIIT Limited for allegedly failing to release his legitimate payment of ₹1,10,000 despite successful completion of two training batches for HDFC Bank’s New Joiners Induction Program in Ludhiana.
According to his statement, the sessions were completed in September 2023, and all deliverables were fulfilled with complete professionalism. However, more than a year later, NIIT Limited and its Delivery Head, Ms. Ritu Kumar, have not processed the trainer’s payment.
Randhawa claims he reached out multiple times via email, phone, and WhatsApp, but all efforts have gone unanswered. What’s more troubling, he reports being told by Ms. Kumar that because the financial year has ended, his payment would not be processed a justification that has no legal or ethical basis.
“As trainers, we dedicate our time, energy, and expertise to create impactful learning experiences. It is deeply disappointing when institutions that claim to empower learners fail to honor their ethical and financial commitments,” Randhawa stated in his LinkedIn post.
He has warned that if the payment remains unpaid, he will be compelled to pursue legal action to recover his dues. His public post is now drawing attention from professionals across the training and education industry.
Legal Case Can Be Filed
If this issue remains unresolved, the following legal actions can be taken against NIIT Limited:
- Breach of Contract (Section 73, Indian Contract Act, 1872)
- Non-payment for completed services constitutes a breach.
- Compensation can be claimed for loss due to non-payment.
- Unfair Trade Practice under Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Trainers can be classified as service providers and can file complaints for non-payment or false promises.
- Criminal Breach of Trust (Section 406, IPC)
- Withholding professional dues despite contractual obligation may amount to breach of trust.
- Labour/Service Contract Dispute at Labour Court
- Applicable if the trainer was hired under a fixed-term or project contract.
- Civil Suit for Recovery of Money
- A recovery notice can be filed before the local Civil Court or via an advocate using a money recovery petition.
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
Choice4Voice.com specializes in amplifying unresolved consumer and professional grievances that go unheard.
Here’s how we can help in such cases:
- Verification and Publication: Complaints like this are verified before being published to maintain credibility.
- Public Exposure: We publish such verified cases on our website and LinkedIn to pressure companies for quick redressal.
- Legal Guidance: We connect complainants with lawyers who assist in drafting FIRs, recovery notices, or consumer complaints.
- Awareness Creation: Articles like this build awareness among freelancers, trainers, and consultants about contract best practices.
If NIIT Limited fails to respond to Mr. Randhawa’s case, Choice4Voice.com can assist in escalating it to Consumer Court or the Ministry of Labour & Employment for recovery proceedings.
Possible Authorities to Approach
| Authority | Purpose | Website / Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Forum (District or State) | File case under Consumer Protection Act for unfair business practice | https://consumerhelpline.gov.in |
| Labour Commissioner’s Office | File professional dues recovery complaint | State-specific Labour Office |
| Civil Court (Money Recovery Suit) | Claim outstanding payment with 6–12% interest | Through legal notice |
| RBI / Banking Ombudsman | Since training was for a bank, RBI can direct HDFC to review vendor policies | https://cms.rbi.org.in |
Pre-Drafted Legal Notice Template (For Trainers / Freelancers)
Subject: Final Legal Notice for Non-Payment of Professional Fees
To,
The Delivery Head – NIIT Limited,
[Company Address]Dear Madam/Sir,
This is to inform you that despite completion of the HDFC Bank Induction Program in September 2023 as per agreed terms, my professional dues of ₹1,10,000 remain unpaid.
You are hereby requested to clear the said amount within 7 working days from receipt of this notice.
Failing which, I will initiate legal action under relevant sections of the Indian Contract Act (1872) and Consumer Protection Act (2019) for recovery, damages, and professional defamation.
Regards,
[Your Full Name]
Trainer & Consultant
Date: [Insert Date]
Author
Satvinder Randhawa is a Corporate Trainer, Life Coach, and Behavioral Skills Expert specializing in BFSI and soft skills programs. With years of experience empowering professionals, he stands as a strong advocate for ethical business practices and mutual respect in training partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the complaint against NIIT Limited?
Trainer Satvinder Randhawa alleges that NIIT Limited withheld ₹1.1 lakh payment for training delivered in September 2023.
Q2. Who is involved in this dispute?
Ms. Ritu Kumar (Delivery Head) and Mr. Prashant Singh Chauhan are named in the complaint.
Q3. Which program was conducted?
The HDFC Bank New Joiners Induction Program in Ludhiana.
Q4. When did this incident occur?
In September 2023, with no payment cleared even after a year.
Q5. How much amount is pending?
₹1,10,000 remains unpaid.
Q6. What response has NIIT Limited given?
According to the complainant, there has been no response to emails, calls, or messages.
Q7. Can trainers take legal action for unpaid work?
Yes, they can file a breach of contract or consumer complaint.
Q8. Is non-payment after a financial year a valid excuse?
No, it is not a legally valid reason to withhold payment.
Q9. Can the trainer approach consumer court?
Yes, as a service provider, the trainer can file a case under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Q10. Can legal interest be claimed on pending payment?
Yes, courts may award 6–12% annual interest on overdue payments.
Q11. What documents are needed to file such a case?
Agreement copy, invoice, proof of delivery, emails, and payment records.
Q12. Can NIIT Limited be blacklisted for repeated offences?
If multiple trainers file similar complaints, government portals can flag the company.
Q13. Which ministry handles training payment disputes?
The Ministry of Labour & Employment under contract labour regulations.
Q14. How can Choice4Voice.com assist?
By publishing verified complaints, guiding legal next steps, and ensuring visibility.
Q15. Can a LinkedIn post serve as evidence?
Yes, if it’s publicly posted and verified by the author.
Q16. What laws protect freelance trainers in India?
The Indian Contract Act, 1872, and Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Q17. What is the first step toward resolution?
Send a legal notice demanding payment within 7 days.
Q18. Can HDFC Bank be involved in this case?
If the program was commissioned through NIIT for HDFC, the bank may be asked for clarification.
Q19. What happens if NIIT ignores the notice?
A civil recovery suit can be filed for the due amount plus damages.
Q20. How can other trainers avoid such issues?
Always sign written agreements, include payment timelines, and request 50% advance.
