Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts Exclusive
In a major breakthrough for labor rights in the media industry, the Controlling Authority under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, and the Assistant Labour Commissioner (Central), New Delhi, has ruled against Navbharat, a nearly 90-year-old newspaper group, for illegally denying gratuity to a senior journalist.
This landmark decision has ordered Navbharat to pay ₹98,076 as gratuity to its former Special Correspondent, Anil Dubey, along with 10% annual interest. The ruling exposes a fraudulent practice allegedly employed by the newspaper to avoid paying legally mandated gratuity to its employees. This case could have far-reaching consequences, as it may pave the way for other journalists who have been wrongfully denied their dues.
• Navbharat’s Gratuity Fraud Uncovered
• A Journalist’s Long Struggle for Justice
Anil Dubey worked with Navbharat’s Delhi Bureau for 17 years before he was unceremoniously removed from his position in 2022. Despite his long service, he was neither given a formal termination letter nor paid the gratuity he was legally entitled to receive.
When Dubey requested his gratuity, Navbharat management allegedly falsified records and claimed that his gratuity had already been included in his salary payments. Refusing to accept this illegal denial, Dubey took the matter to the Assistant Labour Commissioner (Central), New Delhi, initiating a two-year-long legal battle.
On February 19, 2025, the Assistant Labour Commissioner ruled that Navbharat’s arguments were baseless and that, under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, the newspaper was legally bound to pay the pending amount. The ALC ordered Navbharat to pay ₹98,076, along with an annual interest of 10% for the delay.
This ruling sets a powerful precedent for journalists and other employees in the media industry who face similar exploitation.
• A History of Exploitation: Navbharat’s Dark Secrets
• Widespread Wage Violations
A special investigation by Sprouts News has uncovered systematic exploitation within Navbharat. Employees—both journalists and non-journalists—have routinely been denied fair wages, benefits, and gratuity payments.
Sources confirm that:
– Navbharat does not pay the minimum wages mandated by state and central governments.
– It ignores the Wage Board recommendations for journalists, resulting in unfair salaries.
– Employees who leave the organization or are dismissed struggle to receive their rightful dues, including gratuity, provident fund, and other benefits.
These findings suggest that Anil Dubey’s case is not an isolated incident.
• Fake Financial Reports & Shell Companies
Investigations have also revealed that Navbharat allegedly manipulates its financial records to evade employee payments. Insiders claim that:
– The company diverts its profits into fake shell companies.
– It falsely reports financial losses to avoid paying gratuity and employee benefits.
– Several legal cases related to salaries, provident funds, and employee dues are pending in Mumbai and Pune.
This raises serious concerns about how many more employees have been cheated out of their rightful payments over the years.
• A Voice for the Voiceless: Journalists Speak Out
• Anil Dubey’s Exclusive Interview with Sprouts News
Speaking exclusively to Sprouts News, Anil Dubey shared his experience of fighting against an established newspaper giant.
“Journalists in regional newspapers have been financially exploited for years. Even their basic rights, like gratuity, are denied. This victory is not just mine—it belongs to all journalists fighting for their legal rights.”
Dubey highlighted how difficult it is for media employees to take on powerful newspaper managements, stating:
“The media industry has become heavily corporatized and has deep political connections. This is why many newspapers openly violate labor laws. I had to fight for over two years just to claim what was legally mine.”
Dubey hopes his victory will inspire more journalists to demand transparency, fair wages, and legal benefits from their employers.
• A Wake-Up Call for the Media Industry
The ruling against Navbharat is a major victory for labor rights in the journalism industry. However, it also raises a larger question—how many other employees in media houses have been denied their rightful gratuity and benefits?
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team will continue to:
– Track similar cases where employees have been wrongfully denied their payments.
– Expose media houses that engage in fraudulent labor practices.
– Support journalists who are struggling for their rightful compensation.
Also Read: Illegal Demolition of the spire on the 150-Year-Old Ancient Mahadev Temple
Illegal Sale of Flats on CIDCO-Leased Land Exposed
• Sprouts SIT Uncovers ₹350 Crore Property Scam
An investigation by Sprouts’ Special Investigation Team (SIT) has revealed a massive land scam involving Navabharat management, developers, and CIDCO officials. The land, leased by CIDCO at a nominal rate to provide housing for Navabharat employees and journalists, was instead handed over to a developer who built Shiv Triveni Galleria Coop Housing Society. Despite initial plans, no flats were allocated to journalists.
• FSI Violation and Unpaid Fine
The Navabharat management also illegally used extra Floor Space Index (FSI), resulting in an ₹87 lakh fine imposed by the Mumbai High Court in 2014, which remains unpaid.
• Illegal Printing Press Poses Safety Hazard
Further violations include the unauthorized operation of a printing press in a residential zone. The presence of a boiler in the press poses a serious safety threat, endangering thousands of residents in case of an explosion or gas leakage.
The SIT investigation has exposed the fraudulent misuse of public resources, with the scam valued at over ₹350 crore.