Labour Lawyer in Delhi
The four labour codes, in force since 21 November 2025, changed how wages, termination, gratuity and workplace disputes are handled. As a labour lawyer in Delhi, Advocate Shubham Mehta advises employees and employers on salary claims, termination disputes, gratuity and compliance, before the labour authorities, industrial tribunals and civil courts.
Key takeaways
- Wage claims under the Code on Wages, 2019 can be filed within three years.
- Dues on resignation or termination must be paid within two working days.
- Termination and retrenchment disputes are governed by the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
- Gratuity now applies to fixed-term employees after one year of service under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
- Many disputes settle at the legal notice or conciliation stage.
Labour and employment matters we handle
| Matter | Law | Forum |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid salary, full-and-final settlement | Code on Wages, 2019 (Section 45) | Wage authority, Delhi Labour Department |
| Illegal termination, retrenchment | Industrial Relations Code, 2020 | Conciliation officer, Industrial Tribunal |
| Gratuity, PF and ESI disputes | Code on Social Security, 2020 | Competent authority, EPFO / ESIC |
| Senior employee salary and bonus claims | Contract Act, CPC | District Court (summary or regular suit) |
| Workplace sexual harassment | POSH Act, 2013 | Internal / Local Committee |
| Employer compliance and policies | All four labour codes | Advisory |
How a labour dispute proceeds
- Review of appointment letter, salary records and the dispute.
- Legal notice to the employer or reply to a notice from the employee.
- Claim before the wage authority, or reference to conciliation for industrial disputes.
- If conciliation fails, an application before the Industrial Tribunal, or a civil suit where the employee is outside the “worker” definition.
- Evidence, arguments and order; enforcement of the award or decree.
For employers
Employers in Delhi need to update appointment letters, wage structures, standing orders and termination processes to match the new codes. We draft and review employment contracts, handle domestic enquiries, reply to notices and defend claims before labour authorities.
Settlement before litigation
Many employment disputes end with a negotiated settlement: payment of dues in instalments, a neutral relieving letter, or withdrawal of counter-claims. A settlement drafted with clear payment dates and mutual releases protects both sides. Where talks fail, the legal notice and correspondence from this stage become key evidence before the wage authority or the court. For related contract work, see our contract drafting lawyer in Delhi page.
Working with a labour lawyer in Delhi: what to expect
- A first review of your documents and a clear view of the right forum.
- Written estimates of fees and the likely timeline.
- Regular updates after every hearing.
- Settlement options considered at each stage.
Documents to bring to your first meeting
- Appointment letter, contract and any revisions or increment letters.
- Salary slips, bank statements and Form 16 for the relevant period.
- Resignation, termination, show-cause or enquiry letters.
- Emails or messages about pending dues, targets or disciplinary issues.
- PF, ESI and gratuity statements, if the dispute involves them.
What changed with the labour codes
From 21 November 2025, the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 replaced 29 central labour laws. For employees, the key changes are a longer three-year window for wage claims, faster payment of final dues and wider gratuity coverage. For employers, they mean revised wage definitions, new registration and return requirements, and updated standing orders. The codes are published on India Code.
Legal fees and costs
Fees depend on the forum, the amount involved and the number of hearings. A legal notice is usually a fixed fee; claims and suits are charged per stage or per appearance. We share a written fee estimate before taking up a matter. See our guide on lawyer fees in Delhi.
Areas we serve in Delhi
Rohini, Pitampura, Shalimar Bagh, Ashok Vihar, Model Town, Adarsh Nagar, Azadpur, Narela, Bawana and the rest of North and North-West Delhi, with matters across Delhi’s labour authorities, District Courts and the Delhi High Court.
Useful official resources
Frequently asked questions
Where do I complain about unpaid salary in Delhi?
You can file a claim under Section 45 of the Code on Wages before the designated authority of the Delhi Labour Department for your district. Senior employees outside the “worker” definition usually file a civil recovery suit. A legal notice is normally sent first.
Can I challenge wrongful termination?
Yes. A “worker” can raise an industrial dispute under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, first through conciliation and then before the Industrial Tribunal. Managerial employees usually rely on their contract terms and may claim notice pay, unpaid dues and damages through a civil suit.
How soon must an employer pay dues after I resign?
Under Section 17(2) of the Code on Wages, 2019, wages due must be paid within two working days of resignation, termination, retrenchment or closure of the establishment. Delays beyond this can be raised before the wage authority, usually after a legal notice to the employer.
Am I entitled to gratuity?
Permanent employees are generally entitled to gratuity after five years of continuous service. Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, fixed-term employees become eligible after one year of service. Gratuity disputes go to the competent authority under the Code, and interest can be claimed on delayed payment.
Do you act for employers as well?
Yes. We advise employers on labour code compliance, draft employment contracts and HR policies, conduct domestic enquiries, reply to notices from employees and defend claims before labour authorities, industrial tribunals and civil courts in Delhi. Early advice on termination and settlements often prevents litigation altogether.
Related services
- Money Recovery Lawyer in Delhi
- Civil Lawyer in Delhi
- Contract Drafting Lawyer in Delhi
- Delhi High Court Advocate
- Guide: How gratuity is calculated
- Guide: Wrongful termination in Delhi
- Tool: Gratuity calculator
Legal guides: How to send a legal notice in Delhi · Lawyer fees in Delhi · How to recover unpaid salary · All legal guides
Written and reviewed by Advocate Shubham Mehta
Advocate, Bar Council of Delhi (Enrl. No. D/6398/2021), and head of SRLM Law Associates. He practises before Rohini Courts, other Delhi District Courts, Family Courts, consumer commissions and the Delhi High Court. More about the firm
Speak to SRLM Law Associates
For advice specific to your situation, you may consult a qualified advocate. Advocate Shubham Mehta (Bar Council of Delhi, Enrl. No. D/6398/2021) and the SRLM Law Associates team can be reached at +91 92052 74745 or [email protected]. Chamber: 1310, Lawyer’s Chamber Block, Rohini Courts, Delhi – 110085. Office: 250, Kayan Vihar, Delhi – 110033. Open daily, 9 am – 9 pm. See our Google reviews and directions.
Last updated: September 2026. This page is for general information only and is not legal advice.