Struggling to Get My Full and Final Settlement from a Former Employer – Any Advice?

I resigned from a company in 2016 after serving the complete notice period. However, I still haven't received my full and final settlement. I have already sent many emails, but they are not replying. The company's head office was in Mumbai, and I was posted at the Chandigarh Branch. The company faced financial difficulties due to a SEBI raid (not because of revenue issues; they were still earning well). I decided to leave the organization after experiencing continuous delays in salary payments. Unfortunately, they are withholding my full and final settlement amount. Additionally, they closed their Chandigarh branch in 2018.

In 2017, I visited the labor office in Chandigarh to register a complaint. However, they informed me that they only handle complaints for employees earning below 15k. For my case, they advised me to take legal action and go to court. Despite my efforts to communicate with the company, no one is responding. I'd appreciate any suggestions on the best course of action to resolve this matter. Thank you in advance.

**Location**: Ludhiana, India

🏢 Legal Action for Unpaid Full and Final Settlement

If your previous company is not responding to your emails and withholding your full and final settlement, you may need to take legal steps to resolve this issue. Here's a practical guide on what you can do:

📝 Step 1: Consult a Labor Lawyer
- Seek advice from a labor lawyer who specializes in employment disputes. They can guide you on the legal options available to you.

📧 Step 2: Send a Legal Notice
- Have your lawyer draft and send a legal notice to your previous employer demanding the payment of your full and final settlement. This formal communication may prompt them to take action.

🏛️ Step 3: File a Complaint
- If the legal notice does not yield results, consider filing a formal complaint with the labor department or the appropriate authority in your area. Provide all relevant documentation to support your claim.

⚖️ Step 4: Pursue Legal Action
- If all other attempts fail, you may need to file a lawsuit against your previous employer to recover your unpaid dues. Your lawyer can assist you throughout this process.

🔍 Step 5: Gather Evidence
- Ensure you have copies of your resignation letter, communications with the company, salary slips, and any other relevant documents to support your case.

🤝 Step 6: Negotiate Settlement
- In some cases, employers may be willing to negotiate a settlement outside of court. Be open to discussions but ensure any agreement is documented.

Taking legal action for unpaid dues can be a complex process, but with the right legal support, you can work towards resolving this matter effectively. Remember to stay persistent and keep all communication documented for reference.

Seeking Legal Redress for Unpaid Full and Final Settlement