Who are the Hindujas? UK’s Wealthiest Family Faces Legal Trouble. In a notable legal milestone, a Swiss court condemned four members of the rich Hinduja family to up to four years and six months in jail for exploiting domestic servants. The Hinduja family, famed for their huge commercial empire, has a total fortune estimated at £37 billion, making them the wealthiest persons in the UK, according to the Sunday Times. Despite the scandal, Gopi Hinduja, a prominent family member, was not charged in this case.
Background of the Hinduja Group.
The Hinduja Group, founded by Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, began as a merchant banking and trade company in British India. The company was founded in Bombay in 1914 and expanded globally to Iran in 1919. Over the decades, the family’s business interests expanded to include areas such as automobile, finance, and telecommunications. The Hinduja brothers moved their headquarters to London in 1979, and the company still operates today, employing around 200,000 people around the world.
Leadership & Influence
Srichand P. Hinduja, the founder’s eldest son, took over the firm in 1935. He was crucial in creating IndusInd Bank and guiding the company into new ventures such as power and infrastructure. Following Srichand’s death in May 2023, Gopichand Hinduja became Chairman. Forbes has continuously ranked the Hinduja family as one of the wealthiest in India and the globe, recently placing seventh in India and 146th overall.
Court Case and Allegations
The latest Swiss court case revealed unsettling details regarding the Hinduja family’s treatment of domestic workers. Prakash Hinduja, an Indian-born businessman, and his relatives were convicted of worker exploitation and unlicensed employment. Although human trafficking charges were rejected, the court found that the workers were aware of the conditions they accepted.
The Hinduja family was accused of stealing workers’ passports, paying them in Indian rupees rather than Swiss francs, limiting their travel, and forcing them to work long hours for low pay. This was Prakash Hinduja’s second violation; he was previously convicted in 2007 on identical, albeit less serious accusations. Prosecutors stressed that despite his earlier conviction.
Legal consequences and settlement
The Swiss authorities have taken harsh measures, taking various assets such as precious stones and jewelry, which could be used to pay legal bills and any penalties in the case. The family struck an undisclosed deal with the plaintiffs last week, which was an important part of the resolution.
Conclusion
The imprisonment of Hinduja family members is a significant development in the ongoing fight against labor exploitation and unlawful employment. Despite their great wealth and influence, the legal system has held them accountable for their acts, establishing a precedent for future cases. The Hinduja Group’s global corporate interests and operations continue, but this case has clearly tarnished their reputation.
Source: Who are Hindujas and why is UK’s richest family in legal trouble (msn.com)
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