Pune: Muslim Man Terminated for Wearing Skull Cap, Labour Commission Takes Action Against Firm
A 37-year-old man identified as Aman Khan from Pune was sacked after he walked into the office, completely forgetting to remove the skullcap that he wore while offering prayers at a local mosque.
Pune, June 27: In what is believed to be a case of religious discrimination, a man at a Canada-based Information Technology in Pune was terminated earlier this month for wearing a skull cap. According to a report by DNA, a 37-year-old Pune man identified as Aman Khan was sacked after he walked into the office, completely forgetting to remove the skullcap that he wore while offering prayers at a local mosque.
The report informs that Khan, who worked for EXFO, a Quebec-based IT firm in Magarpatta had just received a promotion months ago. Khan informed Pune Mirror, the local daily that the trouble started on April 6 when he went to the local mosque for Friday prayers. Describing his ordeal, Khan said when he returned to his office, he forgot to take his makeshift skullcap (a handkerchief tied on the forehead and tied behind) off and continued working.
Seeing the skullcap on his head, his manager identified as Kishore Kotecha asked him to come to his cabin and condemned him for his ‘religious practices’. Unhappy with the discussion with his manager, the Khan discussed the matter with the company HR, but things took a turn for worse where the company authorities pressurised him to withdraw his complaint.
When Khan refused to take back his complaint, he was terminated on June 12. Reports inform that after the company sacked him, Khan wrote emails to the Canada head office, but to no help.
The report states that Khan is the only one who earns for 12 members of his family. Disturbed by the company’s insensitive behaviour, Khan finally approached the labour commission on June 12 alleging religious and mental harassment. Reports inform that the company has been called on June 29 for a meeting.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2018 09:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).