India, May 20 -- Lathika Pai, a senior figure in the Indian startup ecosystem and a former Microsoft executive, has filed a civil suit against Microsoft India and Microsoft Corporation seeking INR 35.3 Cr in damages.

As per the filing in the Delhi High Court, Pai has alleged that she was forced to resign from the position of country head of venture capital and private equity partnerships at Microsoft in July 2024 due to "intimidation, retaliation and a hostile work environment".

She has alleged that this amounted to constructive dismissal, leading to loss of income, damage to her reputation, and significant mental distress.

For context, constructive dismissal happens when an employee resigns due to a hostile environment created by the ...