How Can I Get My Former Employer to Pay Outstanding Salary After Ignoring Legal Notices?

It's been more than one and a half years since I resigned from the company. At that time, my overall salary owed by the company was more than 3 lakh. A partial amount was paid in August 2019, but since then, no further payment has been made. An exact amount of 1,75,000 (One lakh seventy-five thousand) is still outstanding. I have an email from him acknowledging the remaining amount. He hasn't paid the 10k TDS from the last partial payment, as agreed. Initially, he mentioned waiting until the last quarter to clear all payments. However, since November 2019, he has been unresponsive to emails and calls. I have documented all communication in emails where the founder and company CEO acknowledge the outstanding amount and agreed-upon timeline. There is a backlog of payments for only a few employees, including myself. Despite the company's continuous hiring, it does not appear to be in a financial crisis. He has ignored legal notices multiple times, not just for me but also for some of my office friends. Currently residing in Pune while the company is in Bangalore, making it challenging to file a complaint in person. I would appreciate any suggestions on how to approach this situation with him.

Given the circumstances, here are practical steps to address the situation with your former employer:

1. Review Employment Contract and Company Policies:
- Check your employment contract and company policies to understand your rights regarding salary payments, TDS deductions, and dispute resolution procedures.

2. Consult with Legal Counsel:
- Seek advice from a legal professional specializing in labor laws to assess your legal options and potential courses of action.

3. Send a Formal Demand Letter:
- Draft a formal demand letter outlining the outstanding amount, TDS deduction, and the agreed-upon timeline. Clearly state your intention to escalate the matter if necessary.

4. Explore Mediation or Arbitration:
- Consider mediation or arbitration as alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve the issue outside of court.

5. File a Complaint with Labor Authorities:
- If informal attempts fail, file a complaint with the labor authorities in Bangalore, where the company is located, regarding the unpaid salary and TDS.

6. Follow Up Regularly:
- Maintain a record of all communications and follow-ups with your employer, including emails, calls, and legal notices.

7. Seek Support from Former Colleagues:
- Collaborate with other affected employees to collectively address the non-payment issue and strengthen your case.

8. Document Everything:
- Keep meticulous records of all correspondence, payment details, and relevant documents to substantiate your claim.

9. Consider Seeking Assistance from Labor Unions:
- If applicable, reach out to relevant labor unions or associations for support and guidance in dealing with non-payment issues.

10. Stay Persistent and Patient:
- While pursuing legal remedies, remain persistent yet patient as legal processes can take time to yield results.

Taking these steps can help you navigate the situation effectively and work towards resolving the outstanding payment issue with your former employer.