The Australian Court Orders Compensation from the Former Indian High Commissioner
A legal judgement in Australia has ruled that Navdeep Singh Suri, the former Indian High Commissioner to Canberra, must pay a substantial sum in compensation to Seema Sherghill, a former domestic employee, following allegations of unfair working conditions. The decision, widely reported in Australian media, has sparked discussions regarding the circumstances surrounding the case, with some suggesting it was initiated after the fact.
According to individuals familiar with the situation in New Delhi, the legal proceedings in the Australian court were conducted ex-parte, meaning the defendant was absent, and the case was initiated by the complainant without Suri’s active participation. This has raised questions about the timing and motivations behind the legal action, as well as the absence of a response from Suri during the court proceedings.
Justice Elizabeth Raper, presiding over the Federal Court, issued a verdict that mandates Suri to pay more than $136,000 in compensation to Sherghill, in addition to interest. The order specifies that this payment must be made within 60 days, as reported by ABC News.
Sherghill’s association with Suri dates back to April 2015, when she travelled to Australia and embarked on approximately a year of employment at Suri’s residence in Canberra. Throughout her tenure, she functioned as a domestic employee, undertaking various household responsibilities. However, the nature of her work and the conditions of her employment have now become central issues in this legal dispute.
While the Australian court’s decision implies unfair working conditions and underpayment, it is essential to note that this case is not without its complexities. Sources familiar with the case suggest that Sherghill had previously been issued an official passport by the Indian authorities and was subsequently instructed to return to India in 2016. It has been reported that she did not adhere to these orders and instead chose to remain in Australia.
Significantly, in 2021, Sherghill became an Australian citizen. This development has led to speculation that her decision to file a legal case against her former employer may be connected to her desire to secure her presence in Australia rather than return to India. Remarkably, there has been no official response or statement from the Ministry of External Affairs in India regarding the court’s decision and the resulting compensation order.
About The Author
