Can I Demand a Relieving Letter if My Ex-Employer Took Notice Pay but Didn't Waive the Notice Period?

Hi,

My ex-employer has a strange and stupid policy where the notice period and notice pay are considered two different things. Even if you pay the notice cost, you still need to obtain a waiver for the notice period. When I quit, my ex-employer did not provide the waiver for the notice period, but they took the notice cost from me.

I need advice on the following: My offer letter states that the company reserves the right to accept or reject money in lieu of the notice period. However, they have accepted the money. Can I now, based on my offer letter, demand a relieving letter?

Dear Richa,

If it has been mentioned in your Appointment Letter about the notice period, and if you have paid the requisite amount in lieu of the notice period, and you have completed all the formalities (e.g., handover, submission of your official documents, etc.), then you are entitled to receive a relieving certificate from your company.

Regards,
Prachi D.

Yes, you do have a legal remedy. Personally, I feel that your company is violating some employment law. Consult a civil advocate.

I was working with a reputed company, but due to some personal issues, I sent a resignation email to my higher-ups. However, they did not accept it. As a result, I surrendered the company assets to HR and left the company without serving my notice period. Now, I need a relieving letter, but the company's HR is asking me to pay two months' salary. Please help me with the next steps I should take.

Thank you.