Son rise at Infosys: A case of nepotism? You tell us!

In an interview to CNN-IBN in August 2011, when the Anna Hazare-led hunger strike in New Delhi was at its fever pitch, Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy remarked that in India ‘You use either nepotism or corruption’.

When he made the statement, Murthy, celebrated for his business acumen and for his simple lifestyle despite his wealth, had retired from the company he had co-founded. 

When he made the statement, there was no way to know that Infosys, one of the largest IT companies in the country, would flounder, leading to the return of its celebrated co-founder as executive chairman.

When that happened earlier this year, eyebrows were arched when his son Rohan Murty accompanied him as executive assistant. 

For it was unusual both in Infosys -- which had earlier said there was no question of the promoters’ children joining the company -- and given Narayana Murthy’s standards of decorum and probity.

But when the company announced that Rohan Murty will now be elevated as Infosys vice-president, the feeling that nepotism may have played a part in the appointment became difficult to shake off. 

Does Narayana Murthy’s words in 2011 ring equally true for Infosys as well?

What do you, dear reader, have to say about Rohan Murty’s elevation in a company founded by his father? Take the poll below to let us know.

Is Rohan Murty's appointment a case of nepotism, or no?