Tata Consultancy Services faces serious allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination against its employees at the Nashik branch.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is currently facing multiple allegations of sexual harassment and religious discrimination at its Nashik branch. Reports indicate that a number of female employees have come forward, claiming they have been subject to inappropriate behaviour and derogatory remarks concerning their religious beliefs and physical appearance.
One survivor, who joined TCS as an associate in July 2024, detailed her experiences, including being subjected to humiliating comments regarding her gods and even inappropriate physical conduct from male colleagues. According to her, during an incident, an accused individual, Shafi Sheikh, allegedly touched her inappropriately while sitting next to her. She moved away, but he reportedly smiled and left the area, contributing to an uncomfortable workplace environment.
The survivor is among over a dozen women who have filed complaints, leading to the registration of nine First Information Reports (FIRs) against various employees. The survivor described the workplace in Nashik as increasingly hostile and claimed that a group of accused employees operated without consequence, allegedly supported by senior management.
In her account, she mentioned that complaints were often discouraged by senior officials, thereby seemingly protecting the alleged perpetrators. She recounted a series of incidents where male employees made sexually charged comments and scrutinised her body. Notably, in February 2026, she claimed that one of the accused, Tausif Attar, mocked her Hindu religious texts, intertwining his derogatory remarks with questions about Hindu deities.
In response to the allegations, TCS has claimed it did not receive any formal complaints through its established ethics or Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) frameworks from 2022 to 2026, despite claims from employees about ongoing misconduct. Investigators have suggested otherwise, asserting that there have been numerous oral complaints, which went unaddressed, allowing the alleged harassment to continue.
In a related development, a Nashik court has denied anticipatory bail to TCS employee Danish Ejaz Shaikh, who faces allegations concerning his remarks about the religious beliefs of a co-worker. The court highlighted the serious nature of the allegations, indicating they may have wide repercussions on social order. The judge ruled that releasing Shaikh could hamper the ongoing investigation into the claims. Currently, he remains in custody regarding a separate sexual harassment case involving a female co-worker.
The case has attracted significant attention, with legal experts indicating the potential involvement of various oversight bodies, including the National Women’s Commission. As these allegations unfold, TCS will likely face scrutiny not only for the actions of its employees but also for its internal policies and procedures regarding workplace harassment and discrimination.
