How Should I Handle My Previous Employer's Harassment and False Accusations During My Notice Period?

Hello Sir, I have a clean record of working with all my past organizations except the previous one. I worked day and night for my previous organization, and they also appreciated it. However, when I submitted my resignation (with a notice period of 12 weeks), after only 20 days, they offered me a good package. I rejected the offer, and thereafter, they started harassing me by assigning new tasks and pressuring me to complete them within the notice period, which was not feasible. Despite this, I managed to complete 70 days before the end of the month when they suddenly withheld my salary without prior notice. It was only on payday that I inquired with HR, and she informed me that my salary was on hold due to a policy change and would be provided after the completion of my notice period. I had an existing home loan and explained my situation to them, but they did not release my salary. Consequently, I had no choice but to leave the company and informed them via email.

After some time, I requested my pending salary and Form 16 through email. Following several conversations, they provided the Form 16 but did not release the pending salary. They also contacted my new employer, falsely claiming that I had absconded from my current organization and provided negative feedback without being prompted by the new employer.

Moreover, they accused me of being engaged in dual employment. This situation has caused significant mental distress for both myself and my family, and my previous employer is on the brink of ruining my career. Unfortunately, this mistreatment is not unique to me, as many others have left that organization due to its toxic work culture and the harassment they faced.

Note: I was onboarded to my new organization while serving the notice period, but I formally joined the new employer after leaving the previous one. My appointment letter reflects this sequence of events, showing that I joined my new employer after leaving the previous one.

Though your post is long, it does not mention the requirement of serving the notice period stated in your appointment letter, or whether you have completed the notice period. If you have not completed it, you may have weakened your case.

Yes, you are entitled to receive salaries and wages up to the point when you reported for duty. The employer cannot withhold the salary. However, this presents a different issue. To your former employer, your situation may be considered as "abandonment of employment."

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

My notice period was 12 weeks as per the appointment letter from my previous organization. I worked for 70 days, including weekends and late nights. I was harassed and pressured to work, and they withheld my salary. I was truly exhausted by all of this. I informed them that I left the organization because they failed to pay me.

Additionally, I am being threatened with legal action from other sources. This situation has caused significant mental trauma for me and my family.