Bombay High Court: Pilot's Plea Against Workplace Committee Findings Dismissed

The Bombay High Court recently dismissed a request by Captain Arjun Mehta, a pilot who was challenging the findings of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at Akasa Air. Captain Mehta was accused of creating an uncomfortable work environment for a trainee. Let's dive into the details.

The Background

The case revolves around a complaint made by Trainee Captain Priya Sharma against Senior Pilot Captain Arjun Mehta at Akasa Air. Priya claimed that Arjun's behavior was inappropriate and disrupted the professional learning environment.

• Complaint Date: November 24, 2024
• Inquiry Start: The ICC began its investigation, giving Captain Mehta the complaint details and gathering statements from those involved.

ICC's Findings

After looking at the evidence, the ICC made several recommendations against Captain Mehta:

1. Final Warning: Captain Mehta was given a warning to maintain professionalism.
2. Training Module: Required to complete a refresher on the workplace conduct rules.
3. No Promotions: Not eligible for promotions for six months.
4. Travel Benefits Revoked: Personal travel benefits suspended for 45 days.

Pilot's Response

Captain Mehta challenged the ICC's findings, pointing out problems with the process:

• No Questioning Allowed: Claimed he wasn't allowed to question witnesses.
• No Personal Meeting: Argued that the investigation relied only on written statements.
• Unfair Process: Alleged that the investigation was not conducted fairly.

Court's Decision

Justice N. J. Jamadar dismissed the request, highlighting:

• Other Options: Captain Mehta could appeal under Section 18 of the workplace rules.
• Fair Process: The court found no major issues in the investigation process.
• Public Responsibility: The ICC's actions were not seen as failing to do their job.

"The denial of the opportunity to question the witnesses did not cause such unfairness as would require throwing out the investigation."

What's Next?

The court allowed Captain Mehta to file an appeal within four weeks, considering the time spent on this request.

In summary, the court supported the ICC's findings, stressing the importance of following the proper steps and maintaining professional behavior in the workplace.