The Delhi High Court has asked Air India to consider the plea of a former woman executive director challenging the national carrier’s decision to suspend her post-retirement benefits.
The woman is accused of stealing a painting by renowned artist Jatin Das which was part of the airline’s collection.
Rohita Jaidka, who retired in January 2011, had moved the High Court seeking restoration of her post-retirement entitlements, including medical benefits, which were stopped by Air India through its August 3, 2017, letter.
She contended that she was undergoing cancer treatment.
Justice Sunil directed Air India to consider the woman’s legal notice while treating it as a representation and pass a speaking order within four weeks.
Legal notice
She had pleaded before the HC that a legal notice was sent by her to the airline and its chairman on April 6 after a representation made on August 14 last year. But there was no response from their side.
“The woman has an impeccable and blemish-free career spreading over nearly four decades and her dedication towards her work was well appreciated by the company/Air India... They have arbitrarily and unlawfully suspended the post-retirement benefits of the woman,” the petition said.
Jatin Das, a Padma Bhushan awardee, wrote to Air India in June last year claiming that one of his paintings titled ‘Flying Apsara’ had gone missing and was available in the open market. The letter prompted the airline to launch an internal probe.
In November last year, an FIR was lodged against Ms. Jaidka and other unidentified persons for allegedly stealing the painting between 2004 and 2009.
She was granted anticipatory bail by a local court earlier this month.
Airline’s collection
Air India’s art collection includes stone sculptures dating back to the ninth century, woodwork, decorative friezes, and a collection of exquisite clocks.
The most-prized collections include works by M. F. Husain, S. H. Raza, V. S. Gaitonde, K. A. Ara, Anjolie Ela Menon, Arpana Caur and B. Prabha.
