Newslaundry Ex-Employees Raise POSH, ‘Toxic’ Work Culture Complaints After Tarun Tejpal Article Withdrawal; Company Reacts

Newslaundry has come under scrutiny from some of its former employees over its handling of workplace s*xual harassment complaints and the functioning of its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), days after the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in a rape case involving a junior colleague. The questions surfaced after Newslaundry removed a 2014 article related to the case and said the piece no longer reflected the values guiding its journalism.

The withdrawal prompted former employees and others to question the implementation of the portal's Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) mechanisms. Newslaundry, however, said it has an ICC that has handled four complaints since 2017, with outcomes including termination, suspension and other disciplinary action, and maintained that it has been POSH compliant. Tarun Tejpal to Move Supreme Court After Bombay High Court Conviction in 2013 Rape Case.

Why Did Newslaundry Remove The 2014 Article?

The article, titled “Letter To Ms Tehelka-Assault-Victim”, was written by Nirupama Sekhri, sister of Newslaundry co-founder Abhinandan Sekhri, and published in February 2014, shortly after allegations of s*xual misconduct were made against Tejpal. The article questioned the conduct and response of the woman who had accused Tejpal.

Newslaundry later withdrew the article, saying: “In light of legal developments, evolving public understanding, the #MeToo movement, and the experiences of countless survivors who have come forward, we believe this piece does not meet the values that guide our journalism today.” Tarun Tejpal, Ex-Tehelka Editor, Convicted for Raping Junior Colleague in 2013.

The decision came after the Bombay High Court overturned Tejpal's earlier acquittal and convicted him in the 2013 case. The court subsequently sentenced him to 10 years in prison.

Newslaundry Ex-Employees Raise POSH, ‘Toxic’ Work Culture

Really appreciate it. I also hope the day comes when they reflect just as seriously on the sexual harassment complaints within their own newsroom.

— Sumedha (@TweetSumedha) August 7, 2026

I think it is time to speak up.

I joined Newslaundry as a trainee journalist in 2016—I cannot recall the exact month—with a dream. I had just passed out of college and wanted to do the kind of independent journalism I believed in. At the time, I was working as a content writer… https://t.co/DPIQsiW8Lj

— Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantan_gh) August 9, 2026

Former Employee Questions POSH, ICC Process

Following the article's removal, Newslaundry's former senior correspondent Sumedha Mittal responded on social media, saying, “Really appreciate it. I also hope the day comes when they reflect just as seriously on the sexual harassment complaints within their own newsrooms. (sic)”

Another former employee, Priya, raised questions about the functioning and composition of the Internal Complaints Committee. “ICC committee is taken so lightly. 2 people from ICC committee left, but we were never informed about its reshuffling process, and who replaced these people [sic],” she posted on X.

Responding to the post, Mittal said Priya was the youngest woman to speak up. “I hope that after this they will take POSH seriously. SO proud of you [sic],” she said, tagging Priya. The posts triggered further discussion among former employees and others about workplace culture and the implementation of s*xual-harassment safeguards.

Former Trainee Recalls ‘Toxic’ Workplace

Journalism teacher and author Sayantan Ghosh also recalled his experience as a trainee journalist at Newslaundry in 2016. “The space, as I experienced it, was extremely toxic. The language used by Abhinandan Sekhri towards employees was deeply hurtful to me. People around me told me that this was “normal” in the media, that this was how newsrooms functioned and that one had to develop a thick skin. But it was not normal to me. And I say that because I had already experienced other newsrooms, [sic]” Ghosh said on X.

These are allegations and recollections shared by former employees and do not by themselves establish wrongdoing. Newslaundry has rejected what it described as unsubstantiated allegations and said it remains open to feedback.

Newslaundry Issues Statement

Newslaundry Says Four Complaints Were Acted Upon

In its response, Newslaundry said it has an Internal Complaints Committee to examine s*xual-harassment complaints.

“We would like to make it clear that Newslaundry has an ICC to look into complaints of sexual harassment. The committee has received and acted on four complaints, from 2017 onwards, with outcomes including termination, suspension and other disciplinary action. Newslaundry is and has been POSH compliant. That does not mean we can't do better. We encourage anyone associated with Newslaundry - including former employees to write to us.”

The organisation also criticised what it called the “vile and slanderous nature” of conversations surrounding Newslaundry and its staff.

“Unsubstantiated and fictitious allegations are being made against our colleagues. We have nothing to hide. Our colleagues and our decision to not respond to abuse and lies should not be seen as a sign of defensiveness or weakness. We have never claimed to be perfect and have much to learn. And we do so, everyday. And hopefully improve everyday.”

Newslaundry Says It Remains Open To Scrutiny

The portal also referred to its founding statement from 2012, saying: “No one should be above scrutiny or criticism - not him, not her, not them, not you, not us sabki dhulai.” “And we stand by that every day. We are proud of what we do. We will not stop and will not be intimidated.” The organisation's response comes as former employees continue to raise questions about its workplace processes and culture.

The controversy around Newslaundry's 2014 article has resurfaced against the backdrop of a major development in the long-running Tejpal case. The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court recently overturned Tejpal's acquittal by a trial court and convicted him in the 2013 case. The High Court later sentenced him to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment. Tejpal has indicated that he will challenge the verdict.

The latest debate, however, concerns Newslaundry's own workplace policies and culture. While former employees have raised questions about the ICC and POSH processes, the organisation says complaints have been acted upon and that it remains willing to examine criticism and improve its internal systems.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2026 09:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).