Internship Certificate Not Given? Legal Notice Guide for Students in India

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

Introduction: Why Internship Certificates Matter

Internship certificates are not just formal documents. They are often required for:

• College or university submissions
• Final semester evaluations
• Future job applications
• Higher education or foreign studies

Many students face a serious problem when the company or organisation refuses, delays, or ignores requests for issuing the internship completion certificate.

Common Situations Where Internship Certificate Is Not Issued

• Internship completed but HR stopped responding
• Company shut down or changed management
• Employer demanding extra unpaid work
• Internship was unpaid or informal
• Conflict with reporting manager

In most cases, students are left confused and anxious, especially when deadlines are close.

Is an Internship Certificate a Legal Right?

While internships are often contractual or informal, once:

• You have completed the assigned duration, and
• You have performed the agreed work

Then withholding an internship certificate without valid reason can be considered:

• Unfair practice
• Breach of promise
• Professional misconduct

If there is an offer letter, email confirmation, or official communication, your position becomes stronger.

What Happens If You Ignore This Issue?

Many students avoid taking action thinking the issue is minor. Ignoring it may result in:

• College refusing to award credits
• Delay in degree completion
• Problems in future employment verification
• Loss of internship experience on resume

Delay often benefits the employer, not the student.

Legal Remedy: Sending a Legal Notice

A legal notice is often the most effective first step.

Why a Legal Notice Works

• Shows seriousness
• Creates written legal pressure
• Many companies respond to avoid legal trouble
• Low cost and fast action

What Should a Legal Notice Include?

• Details of internship (duration, role)
• Proof of completion (emails, reports, attendance)
• Clear demand for certificate issuance
• Reasonable time limit (7–15 days)
• Consequences of non-compliance (legal action)

The notice must be factual, professional, and non-threatening.

Can You Take Further Legal Action?

If the company still does not respond after the legal notice:

• Consumer complaint may be considered (in certain cases)
• Civil legal remedy may be explored
• University or college grievance cell can be approached

Each case depends on documentation and facts.

Important Documents You Should Preserve

• Internship offer letter or email
• Work submissions or reports
• Attendance or communication proof
• WhatsApp or email follow-ups

Digital records play a crucial role in resolving such disputes.

What Should You Do Next?

• Send a formal reminder email
• Prepare documentation
• Consider a legal notice if ignored
• Seek proper legal guidance early

Early action increases the chance of a quick resolution.

Read Also:

• Mental Harassment at Workplace – Legal Remedies
• Education Law in India – Student Legal Rights