Nashik Court Denies Interim Protection to TCS Accused

A court in Nashik, Maharashtra, denied interim protection from arrest to Nida Khan on April 20, a key accused in multiple cases of alleged sexual harassment and religious coercion at the local unit of Tata Consultancy Services. Khan, an associate at the company's business process outsourcing facility who is reportedly two months pregnant and currently absconding, had sought the relief alongside her anticipatory bail application.

Additional Sessions Judge K.G. Joshi heard arguments from Khan's counsel, who cited her pregnancy as grounds for immediate protection while the main bail plea remains pending. The judge declined to grant any temporary order and instead directed the Nashik Police and the complainant to submit their responses by April 27, when the matter will resume. Khan's lawyer, Rahul Kasliwal, noted that the request aimed to address the time required for full proceedings. The complainant's advocate, Milind Kurkute, confirmed the court's allowance for a written reply, emphasizing the need for input from the victim and investigators.

The allegations stem from complaints filed earlier this month by employees at the TCS Nashik center, leading to nine first information...