A former employee of a supermarket is taking legal action against his past employer, alleging discriminatory practices and a hostile work environment. On November 4, 2025, Mahendra Khelawan filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Value Fresh Market Inc., claiming violations of the Disability Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The lawsuit details how Khelawan, who was re-employed by Value Fresh Market on September 21, 2023, after an initial termination on June 21, 2023, faced discrimination due to his disability. He alleges that despite suffering from impaired vision in his left eye and developing hearing loss in his left ear due to loud music at the workplace, management ignored his pleas for a quieter environment. The plaintiff contends that these conditions created an intolerable work atmosphere characterized by harassment and derogatory remarks from both colleagues and customers. One instance included being called “Negro,” which he found deeply offensive. Despite providing medical documentation from Queens Hospital Center warning about potential further damage to his hearing if exposed to loud music, the defendant’s manager dismissed these concerns with comments like “Let the doctor come and reduce the music.”
Khelawan’s claims include being subjected to fabricated stories leading to his initial termination and experiencing continuous exposure to harmful noise levels upon re-employment. His efforts to address these issues with management were met with indifference or hostility, contributing to significant stress and health deterioration. As a result, he seeks compensatory damages amounting to $500,000 for his hearing impairment and its impact on his future employment prospects.
Represented by Naresh M. Gehi of Gehi & Associates, Khelawan requests declaratory judgment declaring the defendant’s practices unlawful under federal employment laws. Additionally, he seeks injunctive relief preventing Value Fresh Market from continuing such practices and covering legal costs associated with this case.
The case is overseen by Judge JRC under Case ID: 1:25-cv-06152-JRC.
Source: 125cv06152_Mahendra_Khelawan_v_Value_Fresh_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_New_York.pdf
