Will probe allegations against Infosys CEO, CFO, says Nilekani

Nandan Nilekani, Chairman of Infosys said on Tuesday (October 22) that the company’s audit committee will conduct an independent investigation on a whistleblower’s allegations about CEO Salil Parekh and CFO Nilanjan Roy.

The whistleblower’s complaint stated that Parekh and Roy were indulging in “unethical practices” to increase short-term revenue and profits.

Nilekani mentioned in his statement to the stock exchanges that the committee began consultation with independent internal auditors Ernst & Young and has retained the law firm, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. to conduct an independent investigation.

Nilekani said that one of the board members had received two anonymous complaints on September 30, 2019. One was dated September 20, 2019, and titled ‘Disturbing Unethical Practices’, and another was an undated note with the title ‘Whistleblower Complaint’.

He said that both complaints had been produced before the audit committee on October 10, 2019, and the non-executive members of the board the following day. “Post the board meeting of October 11, 2019, the audit committee began consultation with the independent internal auditors (Ernst & Young) on terms of reference for their prima facie investigation. The audit committee has now retained the law firm of Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. (October 21, 2019), to conduct an independent investigation,” Nilekani said in his statement.

Also read: ‘Ethical employees’ accuse Infosys of fudging profit figures

The board, in consultation with the audit committee, will take such steps as may be appropriate based on the outcome of the investigation, he added.

Nilekani also said in his statement that the company was made aware of another letter (dated October 3) that was purportedly written to the Office of Whistleblower protection program, Washington DC. This letter referred to the September 20, 2019 complaint and to emails and voice recordings in support of the allegations.

“These complaints are being dealt with in an objective manner. The undated whistleblower complaint largely deals with allegations relating to the CEO’s international travel to the US and Mumbai,” Nilekani pointed out.

The whistleblower complaint by a group that calls itself “Ethical Employees” had alleged that CEO Salil Parekh and CFO Nilanjan Roy were indulging in “unethical practices” to boost short-term revenue and profits.

“We have high respect for all of you and bring to your notice the unethical practices of CEO in recent quarters. The same measures are taken up in the current quarter also to boost short term revenue and profits,” the letter addressed to the board of directors read. The letter was dated September 20.

Also read: Infosys shares drop nearly 5% post Q4 earnings

The whistleblowers said that they have voice recordings and emails on these issues.

“Although we have not been provided any of the emails or voice recordings, we will ensure that the generalised allegations are investigated to the fullest extent. Additionally, to ensure independence in these investigations, the CEO and CFO have been recused from this matter,” Nilekani stated.

He also noted that Infosys’ statutory auditors, Deloitte, India, have been “completely updated” on this matter post the October 11 Board meeting.

In 2017, Infosys had witnessed a protracted stand-off between its high profile founders and the previous management over allegations of governance lapses and issues relating to the severance package doled out to former executives, including ex-CFO Rajiv Bansal.

Following the tussle, the then CEO Vishal Sikka quit, followed by some board members. Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani was then brought in as Chairman to steer the company. Salil Parekh joined the company in January last year as the CEO.

Infosys has also settled the case of alleged disclosure lapses regarding the payment made to Bansal with SEBI earlier this year. It paid ₹34.34 lakh to the market’s regulator to settle the case.

On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), shares of the company plunged up to 14 percent to trade around ₹663 in early trade on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)