Allahabad High Court Dismisses Long-standing Case Against Wipro Chairman Azim Premji

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has dismissed a long pending criminal case against Wipro Chairman Azim Premji on May 29. While delivering the verdict, Justice Shamim Ahmed said that CJM (Chief Judicial Magistrate) Lucknow did not use his discretion in summoning Premji and issuing a warrant. As per the court, the CJM didn’t properly examine the evidence and documents presented on behalf of Premji.

After hearing the pleas, the bench had reserved its verdict on May 13 and delivered it on Wednesday. The court said that prima facie there is no case against Premji. The case, which has now been quashed, was 8 years old, originating in 2016. Then the Labor Enforcement Officer filed a complaint against Premji in the CJM court on the alleged charge of violation of labour laws. Azim Premji’s company, Wipro, had entered into a manpower supply agreement with a service provider company M/s G for G Secure Solutions India Pvt Ltd. A complaint was filed regarding a violation of the terms of this agreement. A complaint was filed against them under the Equal Remuneration (Pay) Act of 1976. The court took cognizance of this case on September 3, 2016, ordering to summon Premji.

On May 13, 2017, the court issued a bailable warrant against Premji, following which Premji approached the High Court against the order. Now, the bench of the Allahabad High Court has jinked the CJM order against the industrialist. The bench observed, “Premji, a distinguished industrialist and the chairman and managing director of Wipro Ltd, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility.”

The bench added, “In reflecting upon the character and contributions of the individual summoned before the court, it is imperative to consider the specifics of the case at hand and to also consider the broader context of the individual’s life and work. This court recognises the multifaceted nature of Premji, whose endeavours, both as an industrialist and a philanthropist, have left an impeccable mark on society.”