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Cancer Patient Alleges Wrongful Termination
5 Jan
Summary
- Former employee claims termination during thyroid cancer treatment.
- Employee alleges wrongful dismissal after 8 years with SLB.
- Labour office hearing scheduled for company's written reply.
A former employee of SLB (Schlumberger) has lodged a complaint with the Pune labour commissioner's office, alleging wrongful termination during his thyroid cancer treatment. Santosh Patole, who served the company for over eight years, claims he was dismissed in July 2025, just after resuming duties post-treatment and providing medical clearance. He asserts no prior warnings or performance issues were raised before his termination.
The case saw its first hearing on December 24, 2025. According to Kasturi Mahatme, the Government Labour Officer, the company is set to submit its written response during the next hearing scheduled for January 7, Wednesday. Patole, who was diagnosed in May 2025, states his termination notice cited 'financial loss,' a reason he refutes, pointing to consistent 'outstanding' performance appraisals.
Patole has sought an inquiry into the termination, demanding explanations and records from SLB. He is also seeking reinstatement or compensation for what he describes as wrongful dismissal while undergoing critical medical care. Previously, he had lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission and staged a hunger strike outside the company premises in December 2025.
