I’m signing a non-compete agreement with a company, but I’m unsure which date is the effective start date: the date it was signed or the date mentioned in the agreement itself? The problem is, the agreement’s effective date is in the past, and I was out of India when it was signed. I also haven’t signed as a director of the company. Is this agreement legally binding?

Under Indian law, a non-compete agreement is generally enforceable only if it’s reasonable in scope and duration. Since you were out of India when the agreement was signed and its effective date is in the past, it’s questionable if the agreement was validly formed. Further, your status as a director is relevant; if you haven’t been appointed as a director, the agreement may not be binding.