India Today Group's statement

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#MeToo
A Statement by the India Today Group
October 9, 2018
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The India Today Group takes tremendous pride in the accomplishments of its women
employees. Women comprise 30% of our workforce. Forty percent of our editorial staff is female
and 20% of our managers. Seventy percent of our women received the highest performance
rating possible in 2018 and 21% got promoted. From an open office environment, to work-life
balance, to child care facilities, our female staff is nurtured to succeed in their careers.
As such, any form of gender prejudice is unacceptable in our organization and there is zero
tolerance for sexual harassment. Our Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace
Policy, written in accordance with the laws of the land, covers all employees: female and male.
The process for making a complaint and details of the Internal Complaints Committee are
available on our intranet and, externally, on
http://specials.indiatoday.com/aajtaknew/download/Corporate_policy-2017.pdf. Senior leaders
have personally conducted awareness workshops on what actions are considered
inappropriate.
Our Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Policy has a 100% compliance from
an internal distribution, reporting, and complaint handling perspective. Every complaint is
addressed and closed in writing with due information to both parties. Disciplinary, conciliatory
and supportive measures are provided even when a colleague is reluctant to file a written
complaint.
To protect the dignity and interests of the Complainant, Respondent, and others who depose
before the Internal Complaints Committee, the India Today Group, in accordance with law,
maintains confidentiality of sexual harassment proceedings.
However, we have noted the complaint of Ms. Rukmini Sen, which she has voluntarily shared in
the public domain. We wish to place certain facts on record:
• Ms. Rukmini Sen was employed with TV Today Network from December 27, 2000 to
March 24, 2004 and again from June 27, 2007 to November 6, 2012. Her last
assignment was Editor Entertainment in our Mumbai office.
• She resigned from services on November 3, 2012, citing that she “is not fit for the job
any more” and would like to do “more serious and meaningful stuff”. Her resignation was
accepted the same day.

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• After her resignation, she had an exit conversation on the afternoon of November 5,
2012, in an open conference room in the office, with her Head of Department, Mr.
Supriya Prasad, who was travelling to Mumbai for the ITA Awards.
• After the exit conversation with Mr. Prasad, Ms. Sen joined the internal Mumbai team
celebration of the ITA awards within the office.
• On November 5th
night, Ms. Rukmini Sen sent an email to Mr. Aroon Purie complaining
that the exit conversation with Mr. Supriya Prasad was “offensive and humiliating”. A
reminder was sent by her on November 6th
.
• Mr. Aroon Purie responded on November 7, 2012, saying that he would ask the HR
Department to look in to her complaint.
• A complete investigation was jointly carried out by the TV Today Network’s Legal and
HR team. Mr. Supriya Prasad was asked to submit a statement of explanation. Formal
statements of all present in the Mumbai Office were recorded.
• The matter was, subsequently, referred to the Internal Complaints Committee of TV
Today Network. All of Ms. Sen’s requests regarding Committee constitution, including
changing a member, were accepted and Ms. Sen was duly informed. The Committee
had 5 members, including an external member. It had 3 female members. The process
carried out for Ms. Sen, was in accordance with The Prevention of Sexual Harassment
Act, 2013.
• The Committee was convened in Mumbai 3 times between November 2013 and January
2014, with sufficient notice to Ms. Sen.
• The Committee examined Ms. Sen’s complaint and Mr. Prasad’s explanation. Evidence
from the internal investigation (i.e. statements from others) was also reviewed.
• Eight notices to appear before the Internal Complaints Committee were sent to Ms. Sen.
• Mr. Supriya Prasad appeared before the Committee. However, Ms. Sen chose to be
absent on all occasions.
• Ultimately, the Committee’s final order, passed on January 14, 2014, was, “after
carefully perusing the material on record i.e. the complaint of the Complainant, and the
statement of Mr. Supriya Prasad, it is opined that the Complainant has failed to
substantiate her allegations, and no act of sexual harassment has been made out from
the records. In view of the aforesaid finding, the complaint is hereby dismissed.”
• After each Committee meeting, a written record was sent to both Ms. Sen and Mr.
Prasad. The final order was also sent to both individuals.
• Ms. Sen’s complaint was closed.
In light of the above facts, we strongly believe that the India Today Group did everything
possible to pursue and address the issue. In putting out a one-sided version on social media

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and misrepresenting facts, we think Ms. Sen is being unfairly malicious towards the Group.
Towards this, we are considering appropriate legal action.
Some other unfortunate incidents have also been socially tagged to the India Today Group.
While, the Group empathizes and is concerned about any survivor who has suffered the trauma
of sexual harassment in any form or degree, the Group would like to clarify that none of these
incidents were reported during the tenures of the Complainants or Respondents. Unfortunately,
without incidents being brought to Management’s attention, it is not possible to take due action.
While sexual harassment is a grave offence and is repugnant to the moral values of the India
Today Group, similarly, a malafide complaint or providing false information regarding a
complaint is also treated as a serious breach since it may cause irreparable damage to image
and self-worth. As an employer, it is equally our responsibility to protect the professional and
personal reputation of each member of our organization. It is clarified that this view is not
intended to discourage any employee from coming forward with their grievance.
With women comprising a substantial portion of the India Today Group, its high performers and
decision makers, we are happy that our affirmative stance promotes diversity and the
competence of our female talent. We remain committed to providing security and support to all
our female colleagues. We strive to continuously undertake initiatives to remain an employer of
choice for all, and women in particular.