a) All complaints will be promptly and discreetly investigated, provided allegations are reasonably clear and specific. An Investigation Committee/Member, appointed by the Ombudsperson, will investigate the complaint, based on the nature and facts associated with it. Investigators are required to conduct this process towards fact-finding and analysis based on the Investigation Guidelines issued by the Ombudsperson.
b) An investigation of any Complaint which is vague or unspecified alleged wrongdoings without verifiable evidence adduced may not be undertaken. If any of the members of the designated Investigation Committee has a conflict of interest, as defined in the Code of Conduct of the Company, in the Complaint matter (i.e. there is a possibility that his/her/their personal interests may not ensure fair enquiry), he/she/they will inform the Ombudsperson of the same, who may then appoint some other person(s) in his/ their place in the Investigation Team.
c) The investigations of Complaints shall be conducted in such manner, at such time and at such venue as may be deemed appropriate by the Ombudsperson. The Ombudsperson may also seek inputs from Business Unit Heads/CEOs/CFOs and Functional Heads (except where they are the Respondent themselves in the Complaint) for necessary comments to facilitate the investigation.
d) Initial Inquiries - Initial inquiries will be made to determine whether an investigation into a Complaint is appropriate, and the form that it should take. Some complaints may be resolved without the need for investigation.
e) If a Complaint is Oral, it will be recorded in writing by the office of the Ombudsperson and checked for its veracity.
f) The amount of contact between the Whistle Blower and the respondent or person or persons investigating the concern will depend on the nature of the issue and the clarity of information provided. Further information may be sought from, or provided by, the Whistle Blower reporting the concern.
g) Office of the Ombudsperson may take oral evidence or written statements of various persons including the Whistle Blower, and may call for necessary documents in evidence. All employees and Directors of the Company shall have a duty to cooperate with investigations initiated under this Policy.
h) Respondent(s) shall not interfere with the investigation. Respondent(s) shall not withhold, destroy or tamper evidences, and/or influence, coach or threaten any witness(s).
i) Upon completion of investigation of a complaint, in case of a proven serious misconduct, the Ombudsperson will compile a report of the investigation conducted and shall present it to the Chairman/CCMD and also to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, containing the following details:
i. The complainant (unless anonymous);
ii. A description of the substance of the ‘reported issue’;
iii. The status of the investigation; and
iv. Findings and recommendations.
j) Complaints filed under this Policy will be recorded in a Register, as well as in electronic form, to be maintained by the office of the Ombudsperson, who shall maintain all related documents for seven years. All such documents shall be kept confidential, and under lock and key, by the Ombudsperson office.
k) All information disclosed during the course of the investigation of Complaint will remain confidential, except as necessary or appropriate to conduct the investigation and take any remedial action in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. The Company reserves the right to refer any concerns or complaints to appropriate external regulatory authorities.
l) The Complainant may be kept informed of the final outcome of the investigation of the complaint, within the constraints of maintaining confidentiality.