can the company hold my salary until assets are returned to them

Dear Client,
It appears that for lack of attention to the terms of your employment, you have been facing these odd consequences. But on the cessation of your employment on resignation after serving the notice period, an employer is duty bound to issue you relieving letter and cannot withhold it for any reason which amounted to unfair labour practice as defined u/s.2(r) and Fifth Schedule of I D Act, 1947. So in the prevailing situation, it may be suggested that if you are not holding the position of Manager/Supervisor but a workman as defined u/s.2(s) of the Industrial Dispute Act then for such an arbitrary and unfair labour practice, reach out to the office of the Labour Commissioner concerned for filing a complaint against the employer for redressal of your grievance. Otherwise, you have to file a civil suit before the Civil Court for appropriate relief in the matter. In case you need any legal assistance in this regard, you may contact our legal team for the purpose with relevant papers

Dear client,
Employers cannot hold back the salary. But it is advisable to check your employment agreement first, if it allows the employer to do so. Otherwise, a legal action can be taken against the employer and the company.
Thank You