<h1>IT Company Summoned Over 12,000 Layoffs for Violations of Industrial Disputes Act Notification Rules</h1> The Karnataka Labour Department has summoned a major IT company to explain the rationale behind mass layoffs involving over 12,000 employees, following a complaint filed by a state IT employees' union alleging violations of the Industrial Disputes Act and government reporting conditions. The company cited workforce realignment and strategic focus on technology and AI as reasons for the retrenchment. The Labour Minister emphasized that while certain industries are exempt from labour laws, they must still notify the government prior to layoffs. Additionally, the government rejected industry requests to increase daily working hours to nine or ten, stating such changes must be voluntary and considering local commuting challenges. The minister clarified that extended working hours could only be permitted with employee consent and are not feasible as a permanent measure due to traffic conditions.