Claims for unpaid wages and bonus

An employee, a trade union or an Inspector can file a claim within three years for unpaid wages, short payment, or illegal deductions.

Section 45 of the Code on Wages provides for claims. A claim can be made for:

non-payment of wages or bonus;
payment below minimum wages;
illegal deductions;
delayed payment.

The authority (generally a gazetted officer appointed by the appropriate government) hears it. The claim must be filed within three years from the date it arose. The authority may order compensation of up to ten times the amount claimed, in addition to the amount due. The Central Rules prescribe the claim format. The HR desk's Claims module helps prepare the claim and the gratuity and full-and-final workings.

Last reviewed 17-10-2026. General information, not legal advice for a specific case. Check the latest Act, Rules and notifications of the appropriate government before acting.

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