China’s richest man and founder of leading Chinese e-commerce Company Alibaba Holding Ltd (BABA) Jack Ma has been summoned by an Indian court after a former employee in the company filed a case claiming he was wrongfully sacked after he declined to what he viewed as a censorship of fake news in the company’s apps.
The former employee, Pushpandra Singh Parmar, who worked for UC browser in the court filing dated July 20, he alleges that the company used to censor content perceived as unfavorable to China on UC Browser, UC News and other apps.
Additionally, Parmar claims the company used to spread false news on its multiple portfolios with an aim of creating political and social turmoil.
Civil Judge Sonia Sheokand of a district court in Gurugram, issued summon orders for the Chinese billionaire and multiple other employees working for the company’s unit ordering them to either appear in court or send their lawyers on July 29.
The judge further requested a written response from the company and its directors within a period of 30 days.
In response to the matter, UC India said it had been unwavering in its commitment to the Indian market and its domestic employees and that its policies are in full compliance with the local laws.
This development comes barely weeks after India banned UC Browser, UC News and other 57 Chinese apps after forces of the two countries clashed on India’s border.
China was quick to criticize the move by India, thereafter India sought written statements from all the affected companies on whether they censored content across their various platforms or if they did it for any foreign government.
