Stuck Between Jobs: How to Handle a Missing Relieving Letter and a New Offer at Risk

I am working in a PSU. I received an offer letter from another PSU. I submitted my resignation to my current organization, served my notice period of three months, and am prepared to pay the amount mentioned in the joining letter of my current organization. I clearly stated in my resignation letter which organization I am going to join. However, before my selection, I did not obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from my current organization. They are now not providing any reply, citing the reason that I did not acquire the NOC. I have been asking and following up for the past four months. I have taken an extension twice from my new employer, but they are also unwilling to allow me to join without a relieving letter. As a result, I am on the verge of losing this opportunity from the other side.

Please help me to navigate through this situation.

What is the NOC required? Is it the acceptance of your resignation or others? If your manager or HR did not respond to your resignation email, how could you expect them to relieve you after 3 months?

Understanding the Importance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC)

Generally, an NOC is a very common document required to be submitted before relieving for full and final settlement. All departments, including HR and Accounts, give clearance that no dues towards the company are pending, and you have returned all company assets, instruments, vehicles, accommodations, etc. In such a case, you need to visit your employer and complete those formalities.

Handling the Absence of an NOC

You can avoid such formalities only when the new employer is ready to accept you with this gap. If your new employer agrees, you can now forward a copy of your original resignation email to the old employer through RPAD/Speed post with a covering note requesting the relieving letter. Submit the copy to the new employer with proof of delivery. This way, even if the old employer does not respond, the new employer may be free of anxiety regarding any future legal complications.

In this context, I want to say something. I think the first employer's opinion about NOC is "One should take prior permission (NOC) to apply for another job in another establishment." If it is in his terms of appointment, then he should take prior permission from his employer.