Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty's Indian restaurant group in the UK has won a case in an employment tribunal in London against Jamal Hirani, the former CEO of the chain.
Hirani, founder of fast-food chain 'Tiffinbites', had filed a lawsuit in the tribunal claiming more than 1.5 million
pounds on grounds of unfair dismissal, alleging that he was forced out of the group to make way for the Bollywood actress.
However, the tribunal found that Hirani had not been "constructively dismissed" and should have only the "modest holiday pay which Shetty's restaurant group has already agreed."
The tribunal ruled that the employers had "reasonable and proper cause for their actions" concerning the suspension of Hirani.
"I am pleased with the tribunal's decision which was never in doubt in Raj's and my mind," the 34-year-old actress said in a statement.
Arjun Varma, the managing director of the group, said, "We are delighted to hear the verdict, which vindicates Shilpa, V8 Gourmet group and my brother Andy and me. Truth and justice have prevailed and we are very pleased with the outcome."