In a landmark ruling, a Swiss court has sentenced four members of the prominent Hinduja family, known for being among Britain’s wealthiest, to prison for labor exploitation. The case revolved around the alleged mistreatment of Indian domestic workers employed at the family’s mansion in Geneva. The sentences represent a rare legal challenge to a powerful and affluent family whose estimated fortune stands at £37 billion.
Prakash Hinduja, 78, and his wife Kamal, 75, were each sentenced to four years and six months in prison. Their son, Ajay Hinduja, along with his wife Namrata, received four-year prison terms. Despite the gravity of the case, the Hindujas were acquitted of the more severe charge of human trafficking but were convicted on other charges relating to the exploitation of their staff.
The case, heard in Geneva, revealed that the Hinduja family had employed domestic workers from India under harsh conditions. Accusations included underpayment, restriction of movement, and confiscation of passports once the workers arrived in Switzerland. The Hinduja family denied these allegations, suggesting that the prosecution was unduly targeting them.
Geneva prosecutor Yves Bertossa led the case, seeking custodial sentences of five and a half years for Prakash and Kamal Hinduja. Bertossa accused the family of taking advantage of the power imbalance between employer and employee, exploiting their workers to cut costs. He highlighted that staff salaries ranged between 220 and 400 Swiss francs (£195-£350) per month, significantly lower than the standard wages in Switzerland. In his closing statement, Bertossa condemned the family for “profiting from the misery of the world.”
The Hinduja family’s defense team contested the accusations, claiming that the workers received adequate compensation and were not subjected to isolation or coercion. Nicolas Jeandin, representing the Hindujas, argued that the employees were grateful for the opportunities provided by the family. Another lawyer, Robert Assael, stated that no employee was deprived of their rightful earnings.
The defense also pointed out that the prosecution had not taken into account additional payments made to the staff beyond their official salaries. Ajay Hinduja’s lawyer, Yael Hayat, criticized the prosecution for pursuing a case that he deemed excessive and argued that the trial should focus on achieving justice rather than social retribution.
The Hinduja family, whose business empire spans oil and gas, banking, and healthcare, with operations in 38 countries and employing around 200,000 people, reached a confidential out-of-court settlement with the three employees who brought the accusations. Nevertheless, the Swiss authorities decided to continue the prosecution due to the seriousness of the charges. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high profile of the family and the nature of the allegations, raising questions about labor practices among the wealthy and powerful.
This ruling marks a significant moment in holding influential figures accountable for labor exploitation, emphasizing the legal obligations of employers regardless of their status or wealth. The verdict serves as a reminder of the importance of fair treatment and compensation for all workers, irrespective of their background or circumstances.
