A court in Maharashtra’s Nashik has granted bail to former Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee Nida Khan, who is facing charges in the alleged religious conversion and sexual harassment case linked to the company’s Nashik unit.

While granting relief, Additional Sessions Judge K.G. Joshi observed that the trauma of giving birth inside a prison “is not bearable for anyone” and said the welfare of the unborn child also warranted judicial consideration.

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Khan, who is five months pregnant, was arrested on May 7 from a rented flat in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after allegedly remaining absconding for nearly 25 days. She secured bail on July 6, with the court order becoming available on Thursday.

Why did the court grant Nida Khan bail?

In the bail order, Judge Joshi observed that compelling a woman to give birth in prison would cause immense emotional trauma.

“The trauma of giving birth in a prison like Lord Krishna or the related social stigma is not bearable for anyone,” the court said.

The judge further noted that the investigation had been completed and the charge sheet had already been filed. Keeping Khan in judicial custody would therefore serve little purpose, the order stated.

The court granted bail on a personal bond of ₹75,000 along with one solvent surety of the same amount.

What are the allegations against Nida Khan?

Police are investigating nine FIRs linked to alleged sexual exploitation, attempted religious conversion, molestation, hurting religious sentiments and mental harassment of women employees at TCS’s Nashik office.

According to investigators, Khan allegedly attempted to influence one of the complainants by providing a burqa and religious literature, installing Islamic applications on her mobile phone and visiting her residence to teach religious practices, including offering namaz and wearing a hijab.

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Khan’s lawyer Rahul Kasliwal argued before the court that she had been falsely implicated and stressed that her pregnancy was the primary ground for seeking bail.

Following the allegations, TCS said it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion. The company also stated earlier that it had suspended employees allegedly involved in the case while the investigation continues.

FAQs

Why was Nida Khan granted bail?

The Nashik court granted bail primarily on the ground of her five-month pregnancy, observing that childbirth in prison would cause severe trauma and noting that the investigation had been completed.

What is the TCS Nashik case about?

The case involves allegations of sexual harassment, attempted religious conversion, molestation and mental harassment at TCS’s Nashik unit. Police are investigating multiple FIRs registered in connection with the matter.