Published Aug 11, 2026 | 10:43 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 11, 2026 | 10:43 PM
The organisation said its decision not to respond to “abuse and lies” should not be seen as a sign of defensiveness.
Synopsis: Newslaundry said its Internal Complaints Committee had acted on four sexual harassment complaints since 2017, with disciplinary action including termination and suspension, after former employees questioned its handling of such complaints and alleged a ‘toxic’ workplace culture. The portal said it was compliant with POSH regulations and invited current and former employees to write to it about their concerns.
Independent media watchdog Newslaundry on Tuesday, 11 August said its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) had received and acted on four complaints of sexual harassment since 2017, with the action including termination, suspension and other disciplinary measures.
The outlet said it was compliant with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) law and invited anyone associated with it, including former employees, to write to the organisation.
“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,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement follows allegations by former employees of the outlet that workplace sexual harassment complaints were mishandled and that the organisation had a “toxic” culture.
Our note. pic.twitter.com/cJ16jKlHfI
— newslaundry (@newslaundry) August 11, 2026
The questions came close on the heels of the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court convicting former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in a rape case involving a junior colleague, following which the outlet removed a controversial 2014 op-ed attacking the survivor.
Newslaundry said that while it was engaging with feedback, it had also seen “vile and slanderous nature of conversations” around the organisation and several members of its staff over the preceding five days.
“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,” it said.
The portal said it had never claimed to be perfect.
“We have never claimed to be perfect and have much to learn. And we do so, every day. And hopefully improve every day.”
It also invoked the principle set out when Newslaundry began in 2012: “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 statement said.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
