How Should I Handle My Severance Dispute After COVID-19 Termination? Seeking Advice

My company terminated me because of COVID-19. I have lodged a complaint with the Mumbai labour commissioner about non-payment of any severance pay. I have not given any NOC to the company, but they have transferred the Full and Final payment to the salary account. They have not provided any breakdown of the payment, but from the amount, it is understood that it is the last month's pay, which was on hold, plus some loose change (possibly from leave encashment, etc.).

The labour commissioner has still not responded to my complaint. I want to have a hearing from the Government on the case because I believe the termination and non-payment of severance are illegal.

Should I return the F&F to the company? Should I email the company HR that I don't accept the small amount they are offering to get rid of me?

I lodged the complaint before the payment, and I don't know when the labour commissioner will respond. I only have a complaint number from the online portal.

Practical advice

No, hold on. There is nothing to be done here. You seem to be a righteous and professional person; please always be. Do not return the FNF proceeds—please accept it. There is nothing you are going to gain from disputing your FNF calculations—employers will always have an argument or story to support their case. It's better not to get involved in a long quarrel like this.

Labour institutions are flooded with a million other complaints like yours—when do you think you would have a resolved case? Just think practically...

Please invest time, energy, and thoughts in a productive cause—like finding a new job, upskilling yourself, training, professional development, acquiring a new skill, etc., to name a few.

You can submit a query under the Right to Information to the Labour Commissioner's Office to inquire about the status of your complaint. This action can prompt them to take notice and compel them to act.