Legal notice for unpaid salary

Salary or full and final settlement stuck? Put the demand in writing, in your own name.

You and the employer Your full name

Second sender (optional) Third sender (optional)

Sending together (a joint deposit, a couple)? Add the others. The notice says "we" and each signs.

Your current address Your phone or email (optional) Employer name Employer address

What happened

I resigned I was terminated / laid off I still work there

Your designation Joined on (optional)

Last working day, or months unpaid

Amount unpaid Monthly salary (optional)

The amount is for Anything else (one point per line) (optional)

Your demand

Days to respond Interest % a year (optional)

Date of notice Place (optional)

Copies you will enclose (one per line) (optional)

How to send it

Print, sign every page and keep a photocopy.
Send it by Registered Post A.D. or Speed Post to the address above. Keep the postal receipt and, when it comes back, the A.D. card.
Also send a scanned copy by email or WhatsApp. It's a quick extra record, not a replacement.
Wait for the deadline. Note any reply or payment.
If ignored: file a claim with the authority under Section 45 of the Code on Wages, 2019 through your State labour department, within 3 years of the claim arising. You can also try the SAMADHAN portal.

Check what you should have got: in-hand salary and gratuity.

Template, not legal advice. For large amounts or disputes, consult an advocate.

Your notice

Updates as you type

LEGAL NOTICE

Without prejudice to my other rights and remedies

Date: 11-10-2026

By Registered Post A.D. / Speed Post

From:
[Your name]
[Your address]

To:
[Employer name]
[Employer address]

Subject: Legal notice for payment of unpaid salary and dues

Sir/Madam,

I was employed with you as [Designation].
I resigned from your employment, and my last working day was [Last working day].
A sum of [Amount unpaid] remains unpaid to me towards [salary for the months / full and final settlement].
Despite my requests, you have not paid this amount.
Under the Code on Wages, 2019, an employer must pay wages earned within the time limits laid down in Section 17, and where an employee has resigned or has been removed, dismissed or retrenched, the wages payable must be paid within two working days. Non-payment of wages earned is a contravention of the Code.
I therefore call upon you to pay me the unpaid amount of [Amount] within 15 days from the date of this notice, that is, on or before 26-10-2026, by bank transfer / UPI / cheque to me, and to confirm in writing.
If you fail to do so, I may initiate appropriate proceedings against you before the authority appointed under Section 45 of the Code on Wages, 2019 (the labour department) or any other appropriate forum, to recover the amount with interest, compensation and costs, entirely at your risk as to costs and consequences.
A copy of this notice is retained by me for further action.

Yours faithfully,

[Your name]
Employee

When must the final settlement be paid?

The Code on Wages, 2019 came into force on 21 November 2025. Section 17 says that when an employee resigns or is removed, dismissed or retrenched, the wages payable must be paid within two working days. Gratuity has its own rules and timeline.

What if the employer still doesn't pay?

The employee (or their union, or an inspector) can file a claim before the authority appointed under Section 45 of the Code, within three years. The authority may also award compensation.

Do I need a lawyer to send a legal notice?

No. You can send a notice in your own name. An advocate's letterhead can add weight, and for a large amount or a contested case it is worth paying for advice. Sending a notice does not stop the limitation period, so if it is ignored, file your claim in time.

Template, not legal advice. For large amounts or disputes, consult an advocate.