Tech Mahindra denies religious bias claims amid wider scrutiny on IT workplace practices

Tech Mahindra has firmly dismissed claims of religious discrimination within its offices, branding the viral allegations circulating on social media as "inaccurate and unfounded" after a comprehensive internal investigation. The controversy erupted when Ashutosh Dubey, an advocate from the Bombay High Court, shared a post on X, asserting that the company had designated an office pantry as a "Footwear-Free Zone" during Ramzan to accommodate prayers and iftar, allegedly pressuring employees to adhere to this policy in the name of "unity." In a statement, a spokesperson for Tech Mahindra responded to the accusations, emphasizing, "We take such concerns seriously and conducted an internal review, which found these claims to be inaccurate and unfounded." They also clarified that the image purporting to show a "Footwear Free Zone" is not associated with any of their locations, and dismissed claims regarding biased hiring practices as false. The company reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace, stating, "At Tech Mahindra, we are dedicated to ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and fairness, without any form of discrimination, including religious bias." Tech Mahindra further assured that it would consistently review its policies and processes to uphold these values, ensuring that no coercive or inappropriate behavior occurs in a manner lacking transparency or accountability. The allegations had also suggested irregularities in hiring practices and inconsistent enforcement of workplace rules, raising concerns about the influence of a human resources official. This incident comes at a time when the Indian IT sector is facing heightened scrutiny regarding workplace conduct and employee safety, particularly following recent controversies at major firms like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys. TCS is currently investigating a case at its Nashik campus involving allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion, with complaints from multiple female employees highlighting serious incidents between February 2022 and March 2026. Similarly, Infosys has reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against harassment following reports of misconduct at its Pune BPM unit. The company emphasized its dedication to maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, stating that any reported issues are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated by an independent committee, supported by robust mechanisms and a culture encouraging employees to voice their concerns.