A Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court on Wednesday set aside a criminal proceeding against Wipro Limited chairman and managing director Azim Premji for alleged violation of labour laws. The chief judicial magistrate Lucknow did not examine the nature of allegations made in the complaint, the bench said.
A bench of Justice Shamim Ahmad passed the verdict allowing Premji’s petition, challenging a summon and a bailable warrant against him.After hearing the pleas, the bench had reserved its verdict on May 13 and delivered it on Wednesday.
On a labour enforcement officer’s complaint, the CJM had registered a criminal case against Premji and others and later issued summons and then a warrant against him. Arguing for Premji, advocate Karunanidhi Yadav submitted that no prima facie offence was made out against him.
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.
