Unpaid Salary Dispute: How Can I Seek Justice After Losing Hope at the Labor Office?

I joined the organization on 23rd Sep 2018 and worked until 14th Nov 2018. The employer did not pay the October salary until 14th Nov 2018. During this time, I tried several times to request the October salary via email and phone calls, but he did not respond. I lost hope and filed a complaint at the labor court in Greater Kailash, New Delhi.

I filed a complaint at the Labor Court on 22nd Nov 2018 in writing. At the next hearing on 4th Dec 2018 at the labor office, my employer claimed that they had hired me for 5-6 days as a consultant and had paid me for that (which is correct - no objection). Then the labor officer asked me, "Are you being hired as a consultant at Biorev Studio Pvt Ltd?" I showed him the appointment letter, offer letter, daily report as evidence, and also mentioned the working employees of the organization with whom I was working from morning till late night.

The labor officer (Manish Mahajan) asked the employer to bring supporting evidence and cross-check my documents by the next hearing.

At the next hearing on 14th Dec 2018, which was postponed to 31st Dec 2018, the employer management did not come, so it was further postponed to 11th Jan 2019.

On 11th Jan 2019, the labor officer informed me that they could only provide wages for the working days but no compensation. Regarding "compensation or harassment," I was advised to file a case at the civil or criminal court. The labor officer did not speak against the employer, and that day I lost hope of getting proper justice at the Labor Office.

Please help me, what should I do next?

Based on the situation described, it is advisable to take the following steps to address the unpaid salary dispute:

1. Gather Evidence: Continue to collect all relevant documents such as appointment letters, offer letters, daily reports, and any communication regarding your employment and salary.

2. Consult Legal Assistance: Consider seeking advice from a labor lawyer who specializes in employment disputes. They can guide you on the best course of action based on Indian labor laws.

3. Follow Labor Office Procedures: Attend all scheduled hearings and cooperate with the labor officer. Ensure you present your case clearly and provide all necessary evidence to support your claim.

4. Consider Civil or Criminal Court: If the labor office is unable to provide a satisfactory resolution, as advised, you may need to explore filing a case in the civil or criminal court for compensation or addressing any harassment faced during your employment.

5. Document Everything: Keep a record of all interactions, communications, and developments related to the dispute. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in legal proceedings.

6. Stay Persistent: Pursuing legal action can be a lengthy process, so remain persistent and patient throughout the proceedings. Keep following up on your case and stay informed about the progress.

7. Seek Closure: Ultimately, aim to seek closure and resolution to the dispute, whether through a settlement, compensation, or a legal judgment in your favor. Remember to prioritize your rights as an employee and seek justice through the appropriate legal channels.