A former employee of Wipro has filed a lawsuit against the company alleging sexual discrimination against women in the organisation and is claiming damages amounting to 1 million pounds (Rs 10 crore approximately). In a discrimination and equal pay claim at the central London employment tribunal, Shreya Ukil, a former employee, has said she was manipulated into an affair with senior vice-president Manoj Punja, 54, who is now an ex-employee.
Shreya Ukil, a former employee in a case filed in London claimed that she was subjected to a “deeply predatory, misogynistic culture at Wipro, according to a report in The Telegraph, London. The suit also claimed that the atmosphere for women employees at Wipro was “toxic” and requires women to be subservient.”
A statement issued by Wipro said, “Wipro Ltd does not comment on its ongoing lawsuits.” The further said, “Wipro takes serious objection to the scurrilous allegations made against the company and will initiate legal action to defend itself against insidious and defamatory allegations. The company has built its business over the years by ensuring it adheres to the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and ethical corporate practices. Any transgression of these beliefs and policies are dealt with expeditiously and with the strictest action. Our guiding principles have always been matters of the highest priority for our leadership and they have consistently set the tone from the top, through examples in action and thought.”
On the alleged relationship between Shreya Ukil and Manoj Punja, a statement from the IT major said, “Wipro’s policy on conflict of interest requires employees to disclose to the organisation any personal relationship that could create conflict. Failure to disclose such relationships would result in disciplinary action including and up to separation. Following an impartial inquiry, both Manoj Punja and Shreya Ukil were relieved from the services of the company after it was established beyond reasonable doubt that they had violated the stated policy.”
Shreya Ukil is currently unemployed while Manoj Punja who spent over 23 years in Wipro left the IT major in August, 2014. Punja is currently executive vice-president at Microland.
