Apple supplier Foxconn has been accused of discriminating against married women in its hiring practices at its iPhone assembly plant in Tamil Nadu, India. Reports by Reuters and other media outlets revealed that Foxconn allegedly excluded married women due to assumptions about their family responsibilities and potential for higher absenteeism. In response, Foxconn clarified that 25% of its new hires are married women and attributed the non-discrimination policy to safety protocols that require all employees to avoid wearing metal. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has requested a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu Labour Department to verify these allegations, citing the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, which prohibits discrimination based on gender. This scrutiny comes as Foxconn and Apple are expanding their investments and operations in India.