A New Jersey federal judge has stayed a proposed class-action suit filed against Wipro by five of its former employees that alleged employment discrimination against individuals who are not South Asians. The court also denied Wipro’s motion to dismiss and said that this matter be stayed pending the decision in another case involving Philips and Wipro that’s pending before a US district court in Texas. Former Wipro employees Gregory MacLean, Rick Valles, Ardeshir Pezeshki, James Gibbs, and Ronald Hemenway has accused Wipro of discriminating against non-South Asians in hiring, promotion and termination decisions. They have sought compensatory and punitive damages. When contacted, Wipro declined to comment on the issue. MacLean said while he was on the bench, he had actively sought a new position within Wipro. He said an HR employee had sent him a list of open positions, one of which was located in San Diego, close to his home. MacLean alleged that when he expressed interest in that position, the employee said the position had already been filled.
Malavika Hegde is Coffee Day Enterprises CEO
Malavika Hegde, wife of late VG Siddhartha, founder of Coffee Day Enterprises, has been appointed as the new CEO of the company. The announcement has been made a year after the tragic death of her husband and CDEL founder Siddhartha. Malavika, who is also the daughter of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna, was a non-executive director of the company before being appointed as the CEO. She joined the board in July this year after Siddhartha’s death. In a meeting, the board also approved the appointment of CH Vasudhara Devi, Giri Devanur, and Mohan Raghavendra Kondi as independent directors. The appointment is for five years, effective from December 31, 2020. Last year, in July, Siddhartha was found dead near Mangaluru in Karnataka. He is reported to have committed suicide due to huge financial losses in his businesses.
Pawan Hans selloff gets a push again
The government of India has yet again started the process to divest Pawan Hans after several unsuccessful attempts in the past. The government and ONGC, which have 51% and 49% stake respectively in the 42-chopper PSU, respectively, have offered to sale their entire stake, according to the preliminary information memorandum issued by the department of investment and public asset management (Dipam). “The successful bidder, as identified by the government for sale of its 51% stake in Pawan Hans, will also have the option to buy ONGC stake of 49%,” the memorandum said. Expressions of interest (EoIs) have to be submitted by January 19, 2021, and shortlisted bidders will be intimated on February 17. Companies bidding for Pawan Hans must have a net worth of at least £30 million. SBI Caps is the transaction adviser for this divestment.
