Can an Employer Withhold PF After Terminating a Long-term Employee? Let's Discuss

Can an employer forfeit PF if an employee was terminated from the company after being associated with the company for the last 6 years?

No, the employer has no right to forfeit the PF if the employee is terminated. However, it may become difficult for the employee to recover the amount from the PF office.

Understanding Employee Provident Fund (PF) Rights

PF is a legal right of an employee. The PF Organisation acts as a Trust for the money deposited with them by the employer, and the money belongs to the employee and not the employer or the government. The money has to be paid back either to the employee or their legal heirs. No court can pass an order attaching this money. It should not take time to get the money as well.

The forms will have to be routed through the employer, and if the employer does not send the forms within 15 days or one month, send a complaint to the PF Authority of the region. Even then, if no action is taken, send a complaint to the Central PF Commissioner. I have come across instances of these organizations taking such complaints of the employees seriously and asking for explanations.