How Should I Handle 11 Months of Unpaid Salary Despite Legal Notice and Follow-ups?

I started work in July 2023 for a confectionery-making company as a digital marketing manager. Since it was an online work profile, I had the interview over the phone, received the offer letter via email, which I accepted and emailed back. It has been 11 months since joining, and I have not received any salary. In the first couple of months, they claimed it was a glitch. However, after a couple of months, their response was simply to cooperate and wait. I have sent them three reminders via email, numerous WhatsApp messages, and made phone calls to the owner. I also served them a legal notice last month. They continue to acknowledge that my salary is due but cite financial problems and ask for more time. At this point, I am convinced they have no intention of paying me any salary. What can I do? I am facing a significant loss. Please advise.

Since you have sent a legal notice, you can proceed with it. You can file a complaint before the appropriate authority under the Payment of Wages Act if you fall under the Act or file a writ to enforce the terms of the contract following the Contract Act. The Labour Officer, who is the appropriate authority under the Payment of Wages Act, will entertain the complaint only if your basic pay is not more than Rs 24,000.