Karnataka High Court Orders OLA to Compensate Woman in Harassment Case

The Karnataka High Court has ordered ANI Technologies, the parent company of OLA Cabs, to pay Rs five lakh to a woman subjected to sexual harassment by one of their drivers in 2019. The company must also cover Rs 50,000 in litigation expenses and conduct an inquiry according to POSH guidelines.

The Karnataka High Court directed ANI Technologies, OLA Cabs' parent company, to compensate a woman Rs five lakh after facing sexual harassment by one of their drivers during a 2019 trip. Justice M G S Kamal mandated OLA's Internal Complaints Committee to carry out a proper inquiry, adhering to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). The investigation is to be finished within 90 days, with a report submitted to the District Officer. ANI Technologies was also ordered to pay Rs 50,000 in litigation costs. Compliance with Section 16 of the POSH Act, ensuring confidentiality, was stressed.

The petitioner had initially approached OLA, but their ICC, guided by external legal advice, refused to investigate, citing jurisdictional limits. She sought High Court intervention, leading to the directive for OLA to re-evaluate her complaint and for the Ministry of Women and Child Development to ensure POSH guideline adherence. She also called for state-enforced protection for women and children using taxi services.

The Court also pushed the Karnataka State Road Safety Authority to hurry proceedings regarding the notice to ANI Technologies, with a 90-day deadline for completion. The state government faces a Rs one lakh penalty for inadequate response to the petition. OLA's counsel argued the company shouldn't be liable under labor laws, contending drivers are independent contractors.

(With inputs from agencies.)