Payment of bond after failing to pass probation tests

Hi! Asking for a friend. He was working at a company where they had a bond of 1L INR for 1 year. My friend joined 4 to 5 months ago and was told in the offer letter that if he fails to pass foundational tests within a stipulated number of attempts, his employment would be terminated.

My friend failed his last attempt and his mentor / manager told him "best of luck for his future endeavors". He was crying out of anguish and fear that he might have to pay 1L. And that if he failed to do so, he is afraid the company might put a criminal charge for absconding.

I have read again and again that bonds are not enforceable in India and that they are scare tactic by companies. But even if the bond is legit, they cannot force him to pay if they terminate the employment themselves, right? And what if they force him to resign?

I have told him to communicate all doubts to HR for now via email and keep his personal email in CC. And to start preparing for future jobs / interviews straight away.

Could someone help me out here what should I tell my friend regarding this situation so as to help him out?