Woman says MMRDA fired her arbitrarily

An employee of Mumbai Monorail has filed a case against MMRDA in the Bombay High Court, alleging she was terminated from the job arbitrarily and vindictively without giving any reason or notice. She further alleged that a ‘male employee’ having lesser experience has replaced her.

Around 198 employees of Malaysian Scomi Engineering were assured of being absorbed by MMRDA after taking over Monorail operations in December 2018. However, Hema Jumani working in the HR department has filed a case alleging that she was asked to not report to work in January 2019 without giving any reason for the same. 

Jumani has claimed that she was verbally terminated from the job on January 21. Starting January 23, she was not allowed to enter Monorail depot for work and was stopped by the security at the gate. Further, Jumani alleged that she, being the only female head, has been terminated wrongfully. She says her removal was just verbal, arbitrary and vindictive. She also urged the court to pass orders of reinstatement. 

Jumani told DNA, “I have worked over six years with Mumbai Monorail and suddenly I am verbally told to not report to work. This is illegal. My job is my only source of income, and I also look after my mother and pay EMI’s for my house. MMRDA has also not issued a relieving letter.” 

RA Rajeev, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA said, “Jumani was never a MMRDA’s employee. No one has been absorbed by MMRDA till today. Though they have been assured. She should claim from her employer.” In December 2018, the MMRDA terminated the contract of Larsen & Toubro —  who in joint venture with Scomi Engineering — was operating Mumbai Monorail since 2014 citing non performance.