Indian Diplomat Ordered to Pay Former Domestic Staffer AUD 136,000 Compensation
In a recent development, an Australian court has issued an order demanding Navdeep Singh Suri, India’s former high commissioner to Canberra, to pay his former domestic staffer AUD 136,000 (approximately Rs 1.13 crore) in compensation for alleged unpaid wages and demanding working conditions. This ruling has drawn sharp criticism from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which rejects the authority of Australian officials to adjudicate on matters concerning India-based service staff of the High Commission.
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated during a press briefing, We are also concerned by the ex-parte court judgment. We are taking up the matter with Australian authorities. We would urge Australia to uphold its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, particularly in relation to diplomatic immunities and privileges.
The MEA further argues that the former staffer, Seema Sherghill, should be repatriated to India, emphasizing that any grievances she may have should be addressed within the Indian legal framework. The MEA also dismissed Sherghill’s accusations against the diplomat as false representations and raised suspicions about her intentions, suggesting that her actions might be motivated by a desire to permanently settle in Australia.
According to reports, Sherghill worked as a cook and housekeeper for the former high commissioner from 2015 to 2016. She claims that she was made to work seven days a week, for excessively long hours, and initially received very low wages, which were later increased after she filed a complaint.
This is not the first time an Indian diplomat has faced allegations of underpaying staff. Back in 2013, Devyani Khobragade, then acting consul general of the Indian Consulate in New York, was arrested for allegedly paying her domestic help less than the legally stipulated wages, leading to a significant controversy.
It remains to be seen how the Indian government will address this issue with Australian authorities and what steps will be taken in response to the court order. As the matter unfolds, it is crucial to consider the different perspectives involved and ensure the protection of diplomatic immunities and privileges as governed by the Vienna Convention.
(Note: This article is based on sources and does not imply any endorsement or affirmation of the events described.)
