A fresh controversy is unfolding in India’s startup ecosystem after Nikhil Rana, founder, The 15, shared a viral LinkedIn post detailing his decision to terminate an employee within minutes over WhatsApp. The post has triggered widespread discussion on workplace norms, job security, and founder-led management styles.
The incident came to light after Rana posted a screenshot of a brief exchange with an employee who informed him of their inability to attend a scheduled event. The employee offered to assist remotely and committed to delivering pending work shortly. Within minutes of the conversation, Rana decided to let the employee go, reinforcing his stance against conventional notice periods.
Rana argued that traditional HR practices, including notice periods, are outdated and inefficient for modern startups. He emphasised that qualities such as ownership, reliability, speed, and execution matter more than technical skills, which he described as increasingly interchangeable in today’s job market.
However, the post drew strong criticism online. Many professionals questioned the fairness of immediate termination, especially in response to a single instance. Critics pointed out the contradiction between expecting dependability from employees while offering little stability in return. Others warned that such actions, when made public, could set troubling precedents for workplace culture.
The post also flagged potential compliance issues. Indian labour laws, including provisions under the Industrial Disputes Act and state-level Shops and Establishments regulations, generally require notice periods or compensation in lieu, making abrupt dismissals legally risky.
The episode has reignited a broader conversation around startup culture in India, highlighting the tension between speed-driven decision-making and the need for structured, employee-centric practices.
