Recovery, contract and employment disputes are usually won or lost on paperwork: the agreement, invoices, messages, payslips and proof of what was promised. The route can be a legal notice, a cheque-bounce complaint, a civil suit, arbitration, the MSME facilitation council or a labour authority. Action is taken through advocates; GurugramHelp assists with the documents.
How can I recover money someone owes me?
Send a written demand or legal notice stating the amount and its basis. If a cheque has bounced, the cheque-bounce procedure has strict time limits. Otherwise a civil recovery suit, arbitration (if the contract provides for it) or, for registered micro and small enterprises, the MSME facilitation council may apply.
Cheque bounce
If a cheque is dishonoured, a demand notice must be sent within 30 days of being told of the dishonour, and a complaint can follow if payment is not made within 15 days of receiving the notice. Missing these limits can lose the remedy.
Source: Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, Section 138.
Contract disputes
Check what the contract says about notice, termination and dispute resolution. Many commercial contracts require arbitration, and many commercial disputes need pre-institution mediation before a suit can be filed.
Employment and labour disputes
Unpaid salary, wrongful termination and full-and-final settlement disputes may go to the labour authorities or the courts, depending on the employee’s role and the claim.
What to bring
- The contract, offer letter or purchase order
- Invoices, payslips and bank statements
- The dishonoured cheque and the bank’s return memo
- Emails, messages and earlier notices
How GurugramHelp helps
We help you assemble the documents and a timeline, and keep track of the deadlines that matter.
Common questions
I'm an MSME and a buyer hasn't paid. Is there a special route?
Registered micro and small enterprises can approach the MSME facilitation council over delayed payments, and interest is payable on late payments under the MSMED Act.
How long do I have to file a recovery suit?
Generally three years from when the money became due under the Limitation Act, though the starting date depends on the facts. Don’t leave it late.
Can I complain about unpaid salary?
Yes. Depending on your role and the amount, the labour department or the courts can be approached; a legal notice to the employer is a common first step.
Official resources
Rules, fees, forms and online workflows can change. Verify current information directly with the authority. All official portals