This article is published by The Legal Warning India and written by Advocate Uday Singh.

Salary Paid in Cash Without Slip – How to Prove It in Court in India

Many employees in India receive their salary in cash without any payslip, bank transfer, or written proof. Initially, it feels convenient — but when a dispute arises, the biggest fear is:

“Court me salary ka proof kaise dikhaye?”

This article explains how cash-paid salary can still be legally proved in court, what evidence is accepted, and what mistakes employees should avoid.

Information is based on news reports and publicly available legal principles.

Is Paying Salary in Cash Illegal in India?

Paying salary in cash is not completely illegal, but it creates serious compliance and evidentiary issues for employers.

Under labour laws:

• Employer must maintain wage records
• Payment should be provable
• Employee must be able to verify payment

If employer fails to issue payslip or record, the burden can shift against them during dispute.

Main Problem: No Payslip, No Bank Entry – What Now?

Employers often say:

• “Cash diya tha”
• “Proof nahi hai”
• “Employee ko yaad nahi”

But Indian courts do not rely only on salary slips. Circumstantial and secondary evidence is legally acceptable.

How to Prove Cash Salary in Court – Strong Evidence List

1️⃣ WhatsApp Chats & Emails

Messages discussing:

• Salary amount
• Payment dates
• Cash handover confirmation

are admissible as electronic evidence under IT Act.

2️⃣ Attendance Records / Duty Proof

• Office entry logs
• Work emails
• Client communication
• Project submissions

These establish that employment actually existed.

3️⃣ Witness Testimony

Colleagues, HR staff, office boy, or accountant can testify that:

• Salary was paid in cash
• Employee worked regularly

4️⃣ Appointment Letter or Offer Letter

Even if salary mode is not mentioned, salary amount proves entitlement.

5️⃣ Past Partial Bank Transfers

If some months were paid via bank and others in cash, it strengthens employee’s claim.

Who Has Burden of Proof in Cash Salary Cases?

Initially, employee must show:

• He/she worked for the employer
• Salary was agreed

Once established, employer must prove payment.

If employer has no wage register, no receipt, no record — court may draw adverse inference.

What Legal Actions Can Be Taken?

• Legal notice for unpaid salary
• Labour department complaint
• Labour Court / Industrial Tribunal case
• Civil recovery suit (for senior employees)

In some cases, parallel legal remedies may be explored.

Important Related Legal Guides

• 
  Legal Notice for Non-Payment of Salary in India
  
• 
  Employer Not Paying Salary for Months – Legal Remedies
  
• 
  Cyber Crime Legal Help (When Salary Issues Involve Digital Evidence)
  

Common Mistakes Employees Must Avoid

• Working without any written communication
• Accepting cash silently for long periods
• Not preserving chats or emails
• Waiting too long to take action

Delay weakens evidence.

What Should You Do Immediately?

1. Save all chats, emails, call records
2. Prepare timeline of employment
3. Consult an advocate for legal notice
4. Act before limitation issues arise

Need Help Proving Cash Salary?

If your salary was paid in cash and employer is denying it, legal strategy matters more than paperwork.

Disclaimer: This article is for general legal information and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or solicitation. Communication is purely informational, in compliance with Bar Council of India Rule 36.