Aishwarya Rathore –
Published On: September 22, 2021 at 09:30 IST
American Technology Company Cisco Systems filed an Opening Brief in the US Appeal Court to compel Arbitration with John Doe, a Dalit employee who had filed a Caste-bias lawsuit against the Company.
Cisco challenged the Trial Court’s ruling that the case was in the Public interest and was broader than the relief specific to Doe.
In its brief filed in the Court, Cisco stated, “The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) has no authority to pursue interests independent of Doe’s, when civil lawsuits can be subjected to Private Arbitration.”
Cisco further stated, “The Trial Court erred in holding that the DFEH is pursuing independent interests. Because it cannot pursue such interests in a Civil action on behalf of an individual employee, under the applicable test for Arbitrability, the DFEH’s claims on behalf of the employee must be Arbitrated.”
On June 30, 2020, the DFEH filed a complaint against Cisco on Doe’s behalf, citing Caste Discrimination.
Sundar Iyer and Ramana Kompella, two upper-caste Brahmins, were accused in the complaint of harassing the Dalit worker, referred to as John Doe to protect his identity, in their capacity as Managers.
Also Read: Matters which can be placed under Arbitration