Gurugram Court issues summons to Ali Baba and its founder Jack Ma in a wrongful termination suit filed against UC Web

The Hon’ble Court of Ms. Sonia Sheokand, Civil Judge, in Gurugram District Court, was hearing a suit for wrongful termination, filed by one, Pushpandra Singh Parmar, an ex-employee of Alibaba owned UC Web Mobile Private Limited, alleging that the company used to censor the content seen as unfavorable to the Chinese Government and showcased false news in order to "cause social and political turmoil." The ex-employee is seeking $268,000 in damages, from the company.

Who is the plaintiff and what relief is he claiming?

The plaintiff in the suit is one, Pushpandra Singh Parmar, who worked as an associate director at the UC Web office in Gurugram, until October 2017, after which, he claims that he was fired by the company, for objecting to what he saw as unjust censorship and fake news on the company’s apps.

In his prayer, the plaintiff has sought $268,000 in damages from his ex-employer UC Web, for wrongful termination of his employment.

What are the allegations made by the plaintiff, against the company?

Censoring the content unfavorable to China:

The plaintiff alleged that the company had such system in place, which used to automatically ban the content that seemed unfavorable to China. He further mentioned that there was some sensitive words list in the system, for example India-China Border, Sino-India war, which were used by UC Web, to censor the content in India.

Fake News

The plaintiff also alleged that the company showcased fake news on its platform, and cited false news headings like "2,000-rupee notes to be banned from midnight today", "Just now: War broke out between India and Pakistan".

Fired for objecting against the malpractices of the company

The plaintiff alleged that his employment was terminated by the company, for objecting to what he saw as unjust censorship and fake news on the company’s apps.

What does UC India have to say about the allegations leveled against the company?

The UC India in response to the suit, said in a statement, that it had been “unwavering in its commitment to the Indian market and the welfare of its local employees, and its policies are in compliance with local laws. We are unable to comment on ongoing litigation”.

What did the Court do?

The court entertained the suit of the plaintiff, and directed the UC Web Mobile Private Limited, to file its written statement (reply) within a period of 30 days.

Further, the Court has issued summons to Alibaba, Jack Ma and about a dozen individuals or company units, directing them to appear before court, either in person or through an Advocate.

Conclusion

The suit has been filed weeks after India banned 59 Chinese Apps including Alibaba's UC News, UC Browser, citing security concerns, after a clash between the forces of the two countries, on the border. It will create more troubles for the already troubled Chinese apps, particularly UC Browser and UC News.