Resigned Due to Hostility: Can My Boss Deny Me a Relieving Letter After Serving Notice?

Resignation Due to Workplace Hostility

I resigned from my current job because of workplace hostility. However, I provided the reason as a traveling issue to let it go. I was under probation and provided a 3-month notice period. Now my boss says they will not give me a relieving letter because my performance was poor. I served the complete 3-month notice and was billable as well. Do they have the right to not provide me with a relieving letter?

I had a bitter relationship with my manager. I discussed it with HR, and my resignation was accepted. No one at my organization asked the reason for my resignation, not even HR. Now HR is also saying there is a "NO" from my unit, and she can't do anything.

Questions Regarding Relieving Letter and Legal Options

Question 1: Are they right in what they are doing, and am I at fault?

Question 2: Can I take legal help if I am not at fault?

If your exit is as per company norms, they cannot deny it or withhold any part of your salary or documents. Give a polite and preferably legally drafted letter asking for a clean letter of relief if they decline your request. You can send a written request in your own words first, which will be proof that you asked and they denied. As per your version, it appears the company is on a slippery wicket legally.