Azim Premji

Complaints relating to alleged technical breaches of labour law at Wipro establishments in Uttar Pradesh resulted in criminal summons being issued against Azim Premji.

State of the evidence

Complaints, summons and High Court judgments documented

Legal status — source text

Proceedings quashed in 2024 and 2026 for lack of sufficient allegations of direct involvement

Attribution

Premji was prosecuted essentially because of his designation as chairman; the courts rejected this automatic attribution of liability

Heirs claimed to have retained part of a plot of land in Doddakannalli and accused the defendants, including Premji, of incorporating that portion into their property.

State of the evidence

Civil action and judgment documented

Legal status — source text

Claim dismissed with costs in January 2025; Premji recognised as a bona fide purchaser

Attribution

Premji was personally a defendant; favourable outcome

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked Premji to consider allowing limited public vehicle access through Wipro's Sarjapur campus to ease congestion. Premji refused, considering the solution unsustainable and difficult to reconcile with private property/SEZ status.

State of the evidence

Exchange of letters and personal response documented

Legal status — source text

No judicial proceedings

Attribution

Decision and justification personally expressed by Premji

India Awake for Transparency and R. Subramanian initiated numerous proceedings concerning allegations of asset transfers and financial irregularities involving Premji and related entities.

State of the evidence

Multiple proceedings and Supreme Court decision documented

Legal status — source text

More than 70 cases described as misconceived; proceedings closed and apologies issued in 2022

Attribution

Premji was the target of the proceedings; the initial allegations are not accepted as established facts

Former employee Arvind Gupta accused Wipro and Azim Premji of unlawful wage withholdings/deductions linked to his H-1B status.

State of the evidence

Federal proceedings and appellate decision documented

Legal status — source text

Claim dismissed on grounds of claim preclusion; dismissal upheld by the Third Circuit

Attribution

Premji was named personally and in his official capacity; no liability established

Subhiksha and its promoter R. Subramanian claimed 500 crore rupees following remarks by Premji that his investment had been a mistake and referring to funds being siphoned off.

State of the evidence

Civil action and procedural decisions documented

Legal status — source text

High Court dismissed at least the company's claim for lack of authority; no final damages award against Premji found

Attribution

Premji's personal remarks were the direct cause of the dispute

Azim Premji attended the Rashtriya Sewa Sangam organised by Rashtriya Sewa Bharati alongside RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, prompting surprise and concern about possible ideological support.

State of the evidence

Participation and public clarification documented

Legal status — source text

No proceedings

Attribution

Personal decision to participate and personal response to criticism