TCS Reports 5-Fold Rise in Sexual Harassment Complaints Over 5 Years, Raises Workplace Safety Concerns

TCS reports sharp rise in sexual harassment complaints from 27 to 125 in five years, amid growing scrutiny over workplace safety.

April 16, 2026 | Pune: India’s leading IT company Tata Consultancy Services has reported a fivefold increase in sexual harassment complaints over the past five financial years, highlighting growing concerns around workplace safety and internal grievance mechanisms.

According to the company’s annual disclosures, the number of complaints has risen steadily from 27 cases in FY 2020–21 to 125 cases in FY 2024–25. This sharp rise reflects both an increase in reported incidents and possibly greater awareness among employees about reporting mechanisms under workplace safety laws.

The data shows a consistent upward trend over the years. Complaints increased to 36 in FY 2021–22, then to 49 in FY 2022–23, before witnessing a significant jump to 110 in FY 2023–24, and finally reaching 125 in FY 2024–25.

While the number of reported cases has increased, the company has also processed a majority of them. In FY 2024–25, 102 cases were resolved, while 23 remained pending at the end of the financial year.

Interestingly, the proportion of women employees reporting harassment remains relatively low compared to the overall workforce, increasing slightly from 0.05% to 0.06% in the latest year. This indicates that while cases are rising, they still represent a small percentage of total employees.

Why Are Cases Increasing?

Experts suggest multiple reasons behind this rise. One key factor is improved awareness and reporting culture, especially after stricter enforcement of the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act. Employees today are more likely to report misconduct rather than remain silent.

Additionally, changes in reporting frameworks, including broader global disclosures under sustainability reports, have contributed to higher recorded numbers.

However, recent developments have added another dimension to the issue.

Nashik Controversy Brings Data Into Focus

The rise in complaints has come at a time when the company is facing serious allegations at its Nashik facility, where multiple cases of harassment have been reported. Investigations have led to FIRs, arrests, and scrutiny of internal systems, raising questions about how complaints were handled at the unit level.

Recent reports suggest that in some cases, internal mechanisms may have failed to act promptly, prompting external investigations and government intervention.

Larger Industry Concern

Employee groups and labour representatives have pointed out that the issue may not be limited to a single company. They argue that rising complaints across the IT sector reflect a broader workplace challenge, where systems exist on paper but may not always be implemented effectively.

The situation has also triggered calls for stricter audits, better compliance with POSH norms, and more transparent grievance redressal systems across corporate India.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune