New Delhi: In a legal victory for The New Indian, the Delhi High Court imposed a penalty of ₹30,000 on a former employee for failing to serve her notice period before abruptly leaving the news organization on September 30.
The New Indian, renowned for its high editorial standards and quality journalism, had filed a petition in the Delhi High Court on February 18, 2025, against Subhadra Srivastava, who was hired as a trainee journalist.
Srivastava, a 23-year-old employee, worked at the organization from September 25, 2023, to September 30, 2024.
After hearing arguments on February 18, the court directed her to appear before it.
In its order, the High Court noted: “During the pendency of this petition, the parties have amicably resolved their disputes. Learned counsels for both sides jointly submit that the respondent shall pay a sum of ₹30,000 to the petitioner on May 21, 2025, and on the same day, the petitioner will issue a relieving letter to the respondent.”
The court further stated: “This petition is accordingly disposed of, recording the settlement between the parties. It is made clear that both parties shall remain bound by the terms of the settlement and ensure that their respective obligations are fulfilled within the agreed timeframe.”
On Wednesday, Subhadra Srivastava paid ₹30,000 to The New Indian.
“It’s a win for The New Indian in two ways. One that a notice period is sacrosanct and Delhi HC has made it clear that no employee should ever misuse the care and financial benefits one enjoys during his/her stay in the organisation. Second, the penalty ordered by honourable judge ensures that any abuse of terms and conditions by any employee should be met with a deterrent” said Advocate Advait Ghosh, who appeared for The New Indian in this case.
Ghosh added that such order by the Delhi high court would also set a precedence that no employee should ever mistreat an organisation for any selfish gain.
The news organization was represented by a team of advocates, including Advait Ghosh, Fahim Khan, Sayed Tamjeed, Shoab Khan, and Parthiv Ghosh.
The New Indian is recognized for its credible and fair journalism, including its coverage of the U.S. presidential election, and has established itself as a trusted source of unbiased news.
