Can Absconding Employee Apply For His PF Dues

Dear Seniors,

We had an employee working with us for almost a year. He has suddenly stopped coming to the office. As he has to serve a 1-month notice for settling his dues and final settlements, which is due from his side. Can this employee claim his PF? (He actually wants to withdraw his PF amount.) Please advise us on the same.

-Jagdish

Dear Jagdish,

That employee has every right to claim for his PF dues. Anyways, that is not the employer's money. PF is a separate Government organization. The employer is liable to release PF dues irrespective of whether the employee has served the notice period or not. Holding anybody's PF is not supported by law, and the employee can approach outside bodies for releasing the same.

Thank you.