Maharashtra officials inspect EY's Pune office after employee's death
Officials from the Maharashtra Labour Commissioner's office have conducted an inspection at the Ernst & Young (EY) office in Pune. This follows allegations that workplace stress contributed to the death of 26-year-old chartered accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil. The inspection was initiated after Perayil's mother claimed her daughter suffered a fatal heart attack due to excessive work-related pressure.
EY given 7 days to respond to inspection findings
Additional Labour Commissioner Shailendra Pol confirmed the inspection, stating, "Our officials visited the premises and made several observations. The company has been given seven days to respond to those findings." A report on events surrounding Perayil's death in July will be prepared and submitted to the state labor commissioner within a week, after which it will be forwarded to the Centre for further review.
EY denies link between Perayil's death and workload
Despite increasing scrutiny, EY has denied any connection between Perayil's death and her workload. The company insists that it follows industry-standard practices for employee welfare. Last week, EY stated that it placed "the highest importance on the well-being of all employees" and was "taking the family's correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility." The labor commissionerate's investigation is still underway, with further action dependent on EY's formal response and the inspection report findings.
National Human Rights Commission expresses concern over Perayil's death
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also expressed serious concern over the circumstances surrounding Perayil's death. It has sought a detailed response from the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment. The NHRC has formed a 'Core Group on Business and Human Rights' to review current labor legislations and regulations, with the aim of creating robust recommendations for both central and state governments.
Perayil's father reveals daughter's stress at EY
Perayil's father, Sibi Joseph, has spoken out about the unbearable pressure his daughter was under at EY. He said she used to cry on the phone due to tension and stress. Despite this, she had decided to continue working at EY for the exposure it offered. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's comments on stress management in relation to Perayil's death have sparked outrage, with opposition leaders accusing her of "victim-shaming" and ignoring toxic work culture and long work hours.
