The Delhi High Court has asked Air India to consider the plea of a former woman executive director — accused of stealing a painting by renowned artist Jatin Das from the airline’s collection — challenging the national carrier’s decision to suspend her post-retirement benefits.
Rohita Jaidka, who retired in January 2011, had moved the High Court seeking restoration of her entitlements including medical benefits which were stopped by Air India. Ms. Jaidka told the Court that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Justice Sunil directed the carrier to consider the woman’s legal notice while treating it as a representation and pass a speaking order within four weeks.
“The woman has an impeccable and blemish-free career spreading over nearly four decades and her dedication towards 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 had written to Air India in June last year claiming that one of his paintings, the ‘Flying Apsara’ had gone missing from the airlines’ collection and was available in the open market. The letter prompted the airline to launch an internal probe.
