How to File a Complaint Against an Employer in India

There are two main ways to file a complaint against an employer in India:
- Through the Labour Commissioner's Office: The Labour Commissioner's Office is a government agency that is responsible for resolving disputes between employees and employers. You can file a complaint with the Labour Commissioner's Office either in person or online.
To file a complaint with the Labour Commissioner's Office, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name, address, and contact information
- Your employer's name, address, and contact information
- The nature of your complaint
- Any supporting documentation, such as pay stubs, employment contracts, or emails from your employer
Once you have filed your complaint, the Labour Commissioner's Office will investigate the matter and try to resolve the dispute amicably. If the dispute cannot be resolved amicably, the Labour Commissioner's Office may refer the case to a Labour Court.
- Through a Labour Court: A Labour Court is a judicial body that is responsible for resolving disputes between employees and employers. If you are unable to resolve your dispute with your employer through the Labour Commissioner's Office, you can file a case in a Labour Court.
To file a case in a Labour Court, you will need to file a petition with the court. The petition should state the nature of your complaint and the relief that you are seeking. You will also need to serve a copy of the petition to your employer.
Once the petition has been filed and served, the Labour Court will hold a hearing. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case and evidence. The employer will also have the opportunity to present their case and evidence.
After the hearing, the Labour Court will issue a judgment. The judgment may be in your favour, in your employer's favour, or in favour of both of you. If the judgment is in your favour, the Labour Court may order your employer to pay you damages, provide you with back wages, or reinstate your job.
Additional information:
- You can also file a complaint against your employer with the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The Ministry of Labour and Employment will forward your complaint to the appropriate authorities for investigation and resolution.
- If you are a trade union member, you can also file a complaint against your employer with your trade union. Your trade union will represent you in the dispute resolution process.
- There are also a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide assistance to employees who have complaints against their employers. You can contact an NGO for advice and support.
It is important to note that the time limit for filing a complaint against an employer varies depending on the nature of the complaint. For example, the time limit for filing a complaint for non-payment of wages is one year.