Stuck Without a Relieving Letter: How Can I Legally Obtain It After Resigning?

I worked in a company from August 10, 2009, to July 1, 2013. During my employment, everything went smoothly, and I received my salary on time. However, upon resigning, the owner is refusing to provide me with a relieving letter. The owner states that since I was not given an appointment letter, a relieving letter cannot be issued.

Seeking Legal Advice for Relieving Letter

I seek your legal advice on how to proceed in obtaining the relieving letter. Please advise me on the steps I should take to secure this document.

Regards,
Rahul Verma

You worked there for years without getting an appointment letter, and you never even asked... it's surprising. However, you must have some proof of working there that you can show to your next employer. You have to arrange that from your current employer. Also, if he is not ready to offer a relieving letter, then just ask to provide the acceptance letter of your resignation in written form.

You can ask the employer to provide an Experience certificate on the company letterhead. You can show it to your future employer. If he has not provided you with an appointment letter, then he will not give a relieving letter as well. However, the Experience certificate will help you.

Advice for HR Professionals

If you are in HR, please study all essential letters/formalities from joining up to resignation or retirement and ask for them from your future employers to avoid facing such problems in the future.

Best Regards,
Vaishalee Parkhi