The Telangana High Court has issued a notice to Tech Mahindra in Hyderabad regarding their failure to provide a relieving letter to a former employee. This notice highlights concerns about employee rights related to the issuance of such letters.
The court has also summoned Vinay Agarwal, the head of the Human Resources Department, to appear on November 8. The situation arose when Balakrishna sent a notice to Tech Mahindra in July, requesting his relieving letter.
Although the company eventually issued a letter, it allegedly contained discriminatory remarks about his departure, which differed from the letters given to other departing employees. Balakrishna’s advocate emphasized that employees have a statutory right to receive a relieving letter under the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act of 1946 and related regulations.
After returning company assets, Balakrishna’s last working day was recorded as February 28. However, he reportedly faced harassment for six months and did not receive one month’s salary, which is linked to the company’s refusal to issue the relieving letter.
A complaint was lodged with the joint commissioner of labour in the Rangareddy district on April 18. Despite several meetings, Balakrishna was only provided with a partial salary. It has been noted that under the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act, a two-month notice period for resignations is illegal.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about Tech Mahindra’s policies regarding working hours and leave, which were not mentioned in the offer letter, suggesting further violations of the 1946 Act.
