Facing unpaid wages, unfair dismissal, or workplace harassment? As of 2026, India’s labour grievance system has become more digital, structured, and accessible—thanks to the phased implementation of the New Labour Codes. This guide walks you through the legally valid pathways to file a complaint against your employer.
Phase 1: The Digital Gateway – SAMADHAN Portal
The SAMADHAN Portal (Software Application for Monitoring and Disposal of Human and Industrial Disputes) is now the central platform for filing labour complaints online.
- What you can file here:
Minimum wage violations, unpaid gratuity, maternity benefits, illegal termination, and other industrial disputes. - How it works:
Your complaint is assigned to a Conciliation Officer, who facilitates resolution between you and your employer without litigation. - Legal Basis:
SAMADHAN is operated by the Ministry of Labour & Employment and is integrated with the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
Phase 2: Grievance Redressal Under the Labour Codes
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 introduces a tiered dispute resolution system:
1. Internal Redressal: Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC)
- Mandatory for companies with 20+ employees.
- Must include equal representation from employer and workers.
- Must respond within 30 days.
2. Conciliation Officer
- If GRC fails or doesn’t exist, escalate to the Conciliation Officer via SAMADHAN.
- Target resolution timeline: 45 days.
3. Industrial Tribunal
- If conciliation fails, the officer issues a Failure of Conciliation (FOC) report.
- You can now approach the Industrial Tribunal directly—no government reference required for individual disputes like dismissal or retrenchment.
Phase 3: Specialized Complaint Channels
| Violation Type | Where to File |
| Sexual Harassment | Internal Committee (IC) or Local Committee (LC) at District Officer level. |
| PF Issues | EPFiGMS Portal |
| ESIC Issues | ESIC Grievance Portal |
| Unpaid Wages | Authority under the Code on Wages (usually Assistant Labour Commissioner). |
| Gig/Unorganized Workers | e-SHRAM Grievance Portal |
Before You File: Legal Checklist
- Documentation: Appointment letter, salary slips, emails/WhatsApp messages.
- Formal Notice: Send a written demand via registered post or official email.
- Worker vs Manager Status: Protections differ under the Labour Codes.
- Link to UAN/Aadhaar: Speeds up verification and grievance tracking.
Expert Tip: Always file through official portals and retain digital proof of submission.
Here’s a polished, professional rephrasing of your draft:
To support you in addressing workplace grievances, we have prepared a free / complimentary sample letter that can serve as your first step in seeking resolution. This template is designed to help employees formally request settlement of outstanding dues before escalating the matter to external authorities.
FREE – Sample Letter: Internal Demand for Outstanding Dues
Use this legally vetted format to communicate directly with your employer and establish a clear record of your claim.
Internal Letter of Demand (Direct from Employee)
To,
The Management / Human Resources Department,
[Company Name],
[Company Address].
Date: [Date]
Subject: Formal Request for Settlement of Outstanding Dues – [Your Employee ID/Name]
Dear [Name of HR Manager or “HR Team”],
I am writing to formally bring to your attention that my final settlement/salary for the period of [Month, Year] remains outstanding despite the conclusion of my employment on [Last Working Date].
As per the Code on Wages, 2019, specifically relating to the timely payment of wages, all dues following the resignation or termination of an employee must be settled within the statutory timelines. As of today, the following amounts are overdue:
- Pending Salary: ₹[Amount] (For the period of [Dates])
- Leave Encashment: ₹[Amount]
- [Other Dues like Bonus/Reimbursements]: ₹[Amount]
- Total Outstanding: ₹ [Total sum]
I have shared my bank details and completed all exit formalities (including handover) on [Date of Completion]. I am sure the delay is due to an administrative oversight; however, the non-payment has caused me significant financial inconvenience.
I request you to kindly treat this letter as a formal request to credit the total outstanding amount of ₹[Total Amount] to my registered bank account within 7 working days (i.e., by [Date]).
I value the professional relationship I had with [Company Name] and sincerely hope to resolve this matter amicably without having to escalate this to the Office of the Labour Commissioner or the SAMADHAN Portal.
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter and confirm the date of the transfer.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Personal Email Address]
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. Labour laws in India are subject to state-specific amendments and ongoing judicial notifications. Always consult with a qualified legal professional or a Labour Law Consultant before initiating legal proceedings.