IndiaMy employer hasn't paid my wages for 2 months. What can I do?
You can file a complaint with the Labour Inspector under the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, or approach the Labour Court or Industrial Tribunal for recovery. You may also claim compensation up to 10 times the unpaid wages.
What the Law Says
The Payment of Wages Act, 1936 protects workers from unauthorized wage deductions and delays in payment. It applies to employees earning up to ₹24,000 per month (as amended in 2017) and mandates timely, full, and cash-based wage payments.
Under Section 5 of the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, wages must be paid before the expiry of the 7th day after the last day of the wage period if the establishment employs fewer than 1,000 people — and before the 10th day if it employs 1,000 or more. For example, wages for March must be paid by 7 April (or 10 April for large establishments).
Section 15 allows an aggrieved employee to file a written application to the Authority (Labour Inspector or designated officer) for recovery of unpaid wages. The Authority can direct the employer to pay the dues along with compensation — up to ten times the amount due — if the delay is found to be unjustified.
Section 20 provides that no court fee is payable for such applications, and the Authority’s order is executable as a decree of a civil court. Employers who fail to pay wages without sufficient cause face penalties: imprisonment up to 3 months and/or a fine up to ₹20,000 under Section 21.
Statutory TextEvery person employed shall be paid his wages in current coin or currency notes or by cheque or by crediting the wages in his bank account.
— Payment of Wages Act, 1936, s. 5 — Time of payment of wages
Statutory TextAn application may be made to the Authority… for the recovery of any amount of wages claimed to be due to him.
— Payment of Wages Act, 1936, s. 15 — Claims
Statutory TextAny employer who contravenes any of the provisions… shall be punishable with imprisonment… up to three months, or with fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees, or with both.
— Payment of Wages Act, 1936, s. 21 — Penalties
What to Do
Approach your local Labour Inspector (under the State Labour Department) with a written complaint and supporting documents (appointment letter, salary slips, bank statements, attendance records).
File Form I (under Rule 8 of the Payment of Wages Rules, 1937) before the Authority within 12 months of the due date of wages.
If the Authority does not act within reasonable time or dismisses your claim unfairly, appeal to the Appropriate Government or file a civil suit — though labour remedies are faster and free of court fees.
Alternatively, if you’re covered under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (e.g., as a workman in an industry), you may raise an industrial dispute before the Labour Court or Industrial Tribunal.
Keep evidence of all communication with your employer (emails, SMS, WhatsApp messages) — these are admissible under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Sources
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US-New YorkNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.