AIPC demands justice for 782 unfairly terminated ICICI Bank employees

The All-India Professionals' Congress (AIPC) has raised serious concerns over the alleged arbitrary and unjust termination of hundreds of ICICI Bank employees, urging the bank to address the matter with transparency and accountability. According to reports, 782 employees have been dismissed without due process over the past six months, prompting AIPC chairman Praveen Chakravarty to take formal action.

In a letter addressed to the chairman of the board of directors of ICICI Bank Ltd., Chakravarty expressed deep apprehension over the alleged terminations and sought clarification from the bank. He stressed that AIPC, as an organisation representing India's professionals, strongly advocates for fair labour practices and corporate accountability.

Chakravarty’s letter stated, "In December 2024, we received a letter signed by 82 ex-employees of ICICI Bank in which they alleged unfair termination from employment in ICICI Bank without due process. Subsequently, I asked my Financial Services Head to inquire into the matter, which showed that there was an element of truth to these allegations."

He further added that the inquiry revealed a letter filed with the Union Labour Commissioner, indicating that a total of 782 employees had been terminated on similar grounds within a span of just six months.

The gravity of the situation deepened when, in March 2025, AIPC learned of two suicides by former ICICI Bank employees.

According to Chakravarty, investigations revealed that the bank management was allegedly harassing terminated employees for raising their grievances.

While acknowledging that private sector employment operates on an "at-will" basis, Chakravarty noted that the terminations in question seemed to go beyond lawful business practices.

He stated, "There are reasons to believe that these terminations may not be just lawful business practices but perhaps unethical and coercive workplace practices. I hope that the management of ICICI Bank will look into these issues at the earliest and explain these actions."

In closing, Chakravarty urged ICICI Bank to address the allegations and take corrective action if found valid. "If these allegations of unfair termination and harassment are true, then on behalf of the Indian National Congress, I urge ICICI Bank to take corrective action and provide appropriate remedy and justice for these employees," he emphasized.

The AIPC has appealed to ICICI Bank's management to respond promptly and resolve the matter amicably, reiterating the importance of safeguarding employee rights and ensuring ethical employment standards.