In a significant legal development, former Microsoft India executive Lathika Pai has filed a civil lawsuit against Microsoft India and its top leadership, seeking ₹35.3 crore in damages. The case was filed at the Bengaluru City Civil Court and names several Microsoft India leaders, including Anant Maheshwari, former President, and Irina Ghose, Managing Director, as co-defendants.
The lawsuit alleges wrongful termination, mental harassment, and reputational damage caused during Pai’s tenure and eventual exit from the company. Pai, who previously served as Country Head, Venture Capital & Startups at Microsoft India, claims that her exit was not voluntary, contrary to the company’s public narrative.
According to legal sources, the damages sought include compensation for emotional distress, loss of reputation, and income loss due to abrupt contract termination. Reports also suggest that Pai has accused Microsoft India of workplace bias and a lack of proper internal redressal processes.
Pai, a respected figure in the Indian startup and VC ecosystem, is well-known for her role in fostering partnerships between Microsoft and early-stage technology companies. Her lawsuit comes amid growing global scrutiny of workplace culture within major tech firms.
Microsoft India has not yet issued an official statement in response to the lawsuit. However, legal experts believe the case could potentially bring to light internal workplace practices and employee grievance redressal mechanisms at multinational corporations operating in India.
The matter is now under legal review and is expected to proceed through the civil court system in the coming months.