Free Indian Employment & Labour Law Toolkit

Yes. Under Section 4 of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, gratuity is payable to an employee on separation after rendering continuous service for not less than 5 years in an establishment with 10 or more employees. In the case of death or disablement, the 5-year requirement is waived.

Under various state Shops & Establishments Acts and judicial precedents, an employer cannot unlawfully withhold an experience certificate or relieving letter if statutory dues and handed-over company properties are cleared. Monetary claims must be recovered through civil process, not by holding career documents.

For EPF (Employees' Provident Fund), the mandatory statutory wage ceiling is ₹15,000 per month (Basic + DA). For ESIC (Employee State Insurance), the coverage threshold is ₹21,000 per month (gross wages), or ₹25,000 for employees with certified disabilities.

Yes, when executed on appropriate non-judicial stamp paper with valid e-signatures or physical signatures per state stamp duty acts. However, templates should be customized to your specific commercial requirements.