Employer Hasn't Paid in 4 Months: Is It Okay to Hold Onto the Company Laptop Until I Get My Dues?

Dear Experts, my employer has not paid me a salary for the past 4 months. Because of this, I left the job after completing 2 years, in search of a new one. As of now, I have 1 laptop of the company in my possession.

Can I keep the laptop?

Can I keep the laptop with me until my dues are settled? Or should I return it to avoid complicating the issue? Please guide me on the future course of action for the recovery of my dues of over 1 lakh.

Handling Company Assets When Dues Are Unpaid

Logically speaking, you can keep the laptop as 'lien' until you receive your payment. You may, in fact, send them a letter demanding your back wages and informing them you will return the laptop only after that.

However, if you need a clean separation, if you need them to give you a relieving letter, or if you expect to give a reference or have future employers come back to them for background verification, then you may need a different approach.