HR Dilemma: How to Handle a Relieving Letter Request for a Probationary Employee?

I am working in a Small Scale Industry as an HR manager. I am in a dilemma in my organization. I recently recruited an employee who is currently on probation. He now needs to resign due to his mother's illness. He is requesting a relieving letter to search for a new job as he belongs to another city. However, my employer has refused to provide him with a relieving letter.

As a Human Resource professional, please advise me on what I should do.

Hi Jyotideshwal,

If the resignation is accepted, say so. A relieving letter is ethically to be issued after the notice period & as and when he is relieved. If you have any difficulties as explained, simply issue a letter stating that 'his resignation has been accepted as on ........date.' Or endorse the same on his copy of the resignation letter and close the matter.