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1. Employment Tribunal defeat for Jamal Hirani
Shilpa Shetty's V8 Gourmet Restaurant Group has announced that their
stance and all of the previous employer's actions in respect of the
employment and suspension of Jamal Hirani have been vindicated.
The Tribunal found Mr.Hirani had not been constructively dismissed
and should have only the modest holiday pay which Shilpa's Restaurant
Group had already agreed.
Last month, Mr.Hirani was said in the press to be claiming "more
than £1.5 million" from Shilpa's company, V8G, in the
industrial tribunal.
In fact, Mr.Hirani was seeking approximately £150,000, claiming
constructive dismissal.
Apart from a very modest holiday upgrade payment of £1,323
(which V8G had already agreed) Mr.Hirani's claims were rejected by
the Tribunal.
Shilpa Shetty commented, 'I am pleased with the Tribunal's decision
which was never indoubt in Raj's and my mind&ldots;'
The Tribunal decided that the employers had "reasonable and
proper cause for their actions" concerning the suspension of
Mr.Hirani (and all related issues) and therefore Mr.Hirani was not
constructively dismissed.
Managing Director, Arjun Varma said, 'We are delighted to hear the
verdict, which vindicates Shilpa, V8 Gourmet Group and my brother
Andy & myself. Truth and Justice have prevailed and we are very
pleased with the outcome.'
2. No connection between Jamal Hirani and the investment by Shilpa
Shetty & Raj Kundra
Last month, Mr. Hirani was reported in the press as having claimed
that he had been forced out of the businesses to make way for Shilpa
Shetty and Raj Kundra.
This is plainly false. The Tribunal has found that Mr. Hirani was not
constructively dismissed. Moreover, there is no proximity between the
purchase of the businesses by V8G early in the year and the recent
investment by Raj and Shilpa.
3. Purported High Court claim to £6 million fails to materialise
Last month, Jamal Hirani was also said in the press to be preparing a
High Court action seeking up to £6 million from Shilpa Shetty's
company, V8G.
Neither has Shilpa nor V8G received notice of a lawsuit from Mr.
Hirani (apart from the failed Employment Tribunal claim mentioned
above).
V8G has received no intimation of any such lawsuit, save in the press
last month. V8G can think of no grounds for such a lawsuit. It seems
unlikely that Mr. Hirani is even attempting to prepare a lawsuit,
since the litigation rules require parties to provide detailed notice
of an intended claim and a reasonable response period before
preparing Court proceedings. Again, V8G has received nothing of the sort.
Background details
Jamal Hirani was a Director and the Chief Executive Officer of
Gourmet Restaurants Limited. In late 2008, it became apparent the
company was in financial difficulties. In December 2008, the
Directors suspended Mr. Hirani pending an independent investigation
of the cause of the difficulties. In January 2009, the company's
funders, ICICI Bank, withdrew their support and prepared to put the
company into pre-packaged Administration.
V8G were the successful purchasers of the Bombay Bicycle Club, Vama
and Tiffinbites businesses of the old insolvent company from the
Administrators. Under the employment protection regulations, V8G
inherited the employees, including Mr. Hirani. Mr. Hirani claimed
constructive dismissal and that claim has now failed. V8G was and is
backed primarily by investors unconnected with the old company. Under
the new management, the businesses have traded successfully ever
since. In late summer 2009, V8G were delighted to welcome on board
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra as investors. Raj and Shilpa had no
involvement with Mr. Hirani. 'The truth always prevails and we
reserve the right to file a defamation suit' says AndyVarma, Head of
Food & Business Development.
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