NOC To Get Relieving Letter. How Much Is It Important?

Dear Sirs,

I have served as an Area Sales Manager in the Sales Department of an MNC. I submitted my resignation with 30 days' notice, and it was accepted by my line manager. Later, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from business partners was requested from me to obtain the relieving letter. I have already taken on a new assignment with another MNC. During my notice period, I submitted all company documents, returned the laptop, cleared my mobile bills, and provided the relevant documents and articles to the respective departments.

However, the line manager is now demanding an NOC from business associates, which is proving challenging as my operational geography included associated states (West Bengal and Odisha). I am seeking the relieving letter, which is being withheld by my former organization on the grounds of non-submission of the NOC from business partners. I would like to understand if an organization can withhold the issuance of a relieving letter despite the submission of all company articles and documents, with acknowledgments received from the relevant departments.

Please assist.

Hi Bibhas,

Is such a clause mentioned in the appointment letter? If not, then if the handover is complete, the company cannot withhold the relieving letter. I hope you have your documentation in place for your exit, such as acceptance of your resignation, F&F receipt, etc.

To be on the safer side, write an email to the concerned party demanding the letter, citing that you have completed all the formalities and the No Objection Certificate (NOC) is not a part of the same. Let them reply to the email, and you can probably use this email as proof that despite your clean exit, the company did not provide you with the relieving letter because of the NOC (which is not a part of the exit formalities). Companies sometimes employ such tactics deliberately.

Don't worry and do well in your new assignment.