Stuck Without a Relieving Letter and Settlement Money After 8 Years – What Should I Do?

Hi,

I worked for a company for 8.8 years. As per their notice period of 3 months, I completed it. Still, the company didn't provide me the relieving letter and final settlement. Now they are asking me to sign an agreement cum indemnity bond. On the last day, I sent an official email mentioning it as my last day of work in the company. They replied with best wishes as well. How can I proceed further to obtain the relieving letter and settlement money?

Their email wishing you well is proof of your relieving. If you don't want to sign the indemnity bond, then don't bother. You have proof of employment and relieving, and that would suffice and is acceptable in all professional and progressive companies.

I haven't been able to understand why the company is asking you to sign the agreement cum indemnity bond when you have already submitted your resignation and completed the three months' notice period. You should have inquired and asked for the reasons behind such a requirement. Is this agreement for further serving the company, or does it relate to the full and final settlement or indemnifying the company for any loss or damage detected after your departure from the company?

I suggest that you write a letter to the company requesting them to issue the relieving letter and experience certificate and settle the accounts. If they do not respond to your letter, you can approach the labor department of the area, which is empowered to intervene and settle such complaints.

Regards, BS Kalsi

As replied by Mr. Kalsi, for what reason do they require you to sign the agreement/bond when you have already been relieved from your company? Please let the forum know the content of the agreement if possible so as to reply accordingly.

Resignation and Asset Handover Process

You have stated that you submitted your resignation in writing by complying with the terms and conditions of your appointment order. You also received an email from your employer wishing you well for the future. Do you have any company assets in your possession, such as a laptop, mobile phone, or any other items provided during your employment? In such a case, please return all the assets you are holding and hand them over to your sectional head. Obtain their signature acknowledging the handover, and also sign to confirm that you have handed over the items. Once you have completed this handover process, you will be considered relieved of your duties.

Next Steps if Settlement is Delayed

Wait for a month; if the company does not settle your account, including gratuity, etc., you can file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner in your jurisdiction and raise a dispute as stipulated in the Industrial Disputes Act. With the intervention of the Labor Commissioner, the matter will be resolved. All the best.

Regards, Adoni Suguresh
Labour Laws Consultant