New Delhi, Nov. 10 -- In a setback to Sonam Wangchuk's Sheshyon Innovations Pvt Ltd, the entrepreneurial arm of the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), a Labour Court in Ladakh has proposed the reinstatement of former employee Amina Khatoon, who was allegedly removed from her job following the birth of her child in 2024.
During the final hearing held on November 7, 2026, Khatoon and Gitanjali Angmo, Wangchuk's wife and Chief Executive Officer of HIAL, were present before the court. Both parties expressed their willingness to explore the possibility of resolving the dispute through mutual discussions.
Taking note of their willingness, the court granted the parties time until November 26, 2026, to arrive at an amicable settlement, subject to the respondents agreeing to certain conditions.
Under the proposed settlement, HIAL would be required to reinstate Khatoon to her former position or an equivalent post, considering that her services had been terminated without prior notice and without following the applicable procedure.
The court also proposed that Khatoon be paid maternity benefits equivalent to 26 weeks, amounting to Rs 3.03 lakh, along with an additional Rs 3,500 as a maternity medical bonus.
The proceedings centred on Khatoon's removal from employment following the birth of her child in 2024. The court's observation that her services were terminated without prior notice and without adherence to the applicable procedure formed the basis of the proposed reinstatement and monetary settlement.
The court further directed that if the respondents, Gitanjali Angmo and HIAL, failed to comply with the proposed settlement on or before November 26, the settlement would be deemed unsuccessful and the matter would proceed in accordance with the law.
The case has also raised questions about the progressive and humanitarian ethos associated with Wangchuk and HIAL, particularly in light of the circumstances surrounding the termination of an employee following childbirth.
The November 26 deadline will determine whether the parties reach an amicable settlement or the dispute proceeds through further legal proceedings.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.