PUNE: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has responded after one of its employees was found sleeping on a sidewalk outside its Sahyadri Park campus in Pune, protesting alleged non-payment of salary.
Photos of the employee, Sourabh More, sleeping outside the office building went viral on social media this week. A handwritten letter placed next to him drew attention to his situation, in which he stated he had no money and was left with no option but to live on the footpath outside TCS premises.
Employee alleges salary withheld
According to More, he returned to work on July 29, 2025, but found that his employee ID was inactive on the company’s internal systems, including Ultimatix. Despite assurances from the Human Resources department that his payroll issues would be resolved, he claims that his salary remained unpaid.
The letter written by More read, “I have informed HR I don’t have money and will be forced to sleep and live outside TCS on the footpath.” This message quickly gained traction online, prompting responses and support from several users.
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TCS cites unauthorised absence
TCS, in a statement issued to HT.com, acknowledged the incident but clarified its stance. The company said the employee’s payroll had been suspended in accordance with established procedures due to unauthorised absence from work. The exact period of absence was not disclosed by the company.
The statement added that the company had since reached out to the employee, arranged accommodation for him, and confirmed that he is no longer staying outside the office.
This incident has reignited concerns about corporate HR practices and the procedural hurdles employees may face when attempting to reintegrate after long periods of absence. Though TCS insists it followed protocol, the visual of an IT professional sleeping on the street has struck a chord with many.
As of now, there is no confirmation whether More’s salary has been credited or if disciplinary action is pending.