A sessions court in Nashik, Maharashtra granted bail on 6 July to Nida Khan, a former Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee, who was arrested in connection with alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion cases linked to the company's Nashik office. Khan, who is approximately five months pregnant, sought relief primarily on humanitarian grounds, and the court ruled in her favour, invoking the trauma of childbirth in incarceration.

What the Court Said

Additional Sessions Judge K.G. Joshi, in an order that became available on Thursday, 10 July, stated: 'The trauma of giving birth in a prison like Lord Krishna or the related social stigma is not bearable for anyone.' The judge further observed that 'to avoid such an agonising situation and for the welcome and overall welfare of the newborn baby, it would be just and proper to exercise judicial discretion in favour of the applicant-accused.'

The court also noted that the investigation had been completed and the charge sheet already filed, concluding that continued custody of the pregnant accused would serve no meaningful purpose.

Bail Conditions and Legal Proceedings

The court directed Khan's release on a personal bond of ₹75,000 along with one solvent surety of an equal amount. Khan was arrested on 7 May from a rented apartment in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, after allegedly evading arrest for nearly 25 days.

The prosecution, represented by Public Prosecutor Vijay Gaikwad along with advocates Milind Kurkute and Nitin Pandit appearing for one of the complainants, strongly opposed the bail applications of Khan and co-accused Danish Shaikh. They argued that the investigation had uncovered sufficient material pointing to allegations of sexual assault and religious coercion.

Khan's advocate, Rahul Kasliwal, maintained that his client was innocent and had been falsely implicated. He also informed the court that Khan was highly educated and had served as an associate with TCS before her services were terminated in April.

Nature of the Allegations

The case was registered at the Deolali Camp Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 69 (sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means), Section 65 (sexual harassment), and Section 299 (outraging religious feelings). The accused have also been booked under relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as the complainant reportedly belongs to the Dalit community.

According to investigators, Khan allegedly attempted to influence the complainant by providing her with a burqa and religious literature, installing Islamic applications on the woman's mobile phone, visiting her residence to teach her how to offer namaz, and instructing her on wearing a hijab. These are alleged acts; the accused has denied wrongdoing.

TCS Response and Broader Investigation

Police are currently investigating nine separate cases linked to allegations of sexual exploitation, attempted forced religious conversion, hurting religious sentiments, molestation, and mental harassment involving women employees at the TCS facility in Nashik. TCS reiterated that it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion in any form, and had earlier announced the suspension of employees allegedly involved in the incidents, pending further action.

With the charge sheet filed and bail granted, the case now moves toward trial — a process that will test the strength of the evidence gathered across all nine linked matters.