Pratibha murder: Case against HP GlobalSoft

BANGALORE: Prosecution charges were initiated against HP GlobalSoft in connection with the rape and murder of its employee, Pratibha Srikanth Murthy.

Karnataka's Labour Department initiated legal proceedings against HP on the grounds that the company violated the State's Shops and Commercial Establishment Act.

The Act stipulates that the employer should ensure the safety of its women employees working night shifts - at work as well as while commuting to and from work.

“The company has violated the State's Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, which requires companies to provide protection to women working on the night shift,” said additional labor commissioner, S Narasimhaiah.

Meanwhile, HP denied there was a charge of prosecution against it. "No charge of prosecution against the company," HP said.

"As part of the on-going proceedings being undertaken by the Labour Department - we have been asked to provide details of compliance under the Shops & Establishment Act. We are in the process of submitting the same," it added.

Pratibha was raped and murdered early December 13 morning as she was traveling to work from home. Shiv Kumar, a driver who was ferrying her, was later arrested in this connection.

Narasimhaiah also said that the department is also examining the law carefully and is considering making amendments to include other provisions to ensure the safety of employees.

Tanveer Sait, Karnataka's Labor minister, announced yesterday that his department has begun a special initiative against the IT companies which have not provided details of security measures given to women employees. He said that only 15 companies had so far provided the details.

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