Actor Sushmita Sen will not have to pay tax on the MeToo payout that she received from Coca Cola in 2003-04 after the company prematurely terminated her contract following allegations of sexual harassment by her.
Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen was signed by Coca Cola to promote its drinks, but the company had terminated her contract after she complained of sexual harassment. The company later withheld the balance fee, meant to be paid to her.
The Main Hoon Na actor then sued the company accusing the company of failing to provide a safe working environment to her. She won her case the Coca Cola was forced to release the payment of Rs 1.5 crore to her.
Sushmita, however, only disclosed the payment of Rs 50 lakh saying that the remaining money was her compensation and it did not need to be taxed.
The Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, in its order last week, ruled in her favour. The tribunal also ordered to set aside the Rs 35 lakh penalty which was imposed on Sushmita for concealing her income.
Sushmita was recently in news after being linked to one Rohman Shawl.