Can my employer hold my salary?

No. Employer must pay salary on time. Withholding salary is illegal.

Your employer is legally required to pay your salary by the 7th of the following month. They cannot withhold salary as punishment, for early resignation, or for any other reason. Only legally permitted deductions (PF, ESI, TDS, etc.) can be made. If your employer is not paying salary, you can file a complaint with the Labour Commissioner or through the SHRAM portal. Even during notice period, salary must be paid for days worked.

• Code on Wages — Section 17 (Timely payment)
• Code on Wages — Section 18 (Deductions)
• Industrial Disputes Act