EY Chartered Accountant’s Death in Pune Sparks Human Rights Commission Investigation Into Workplace Stress

New Delhi, 22nd September 2024: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports regarding the death of a 26-year-old woman from Kerala, allegedly due to excessive workload at her job in Pune.

The young chartered accountant, employed by Ernst & Young (EY) for the past four months, passed away on July 20, 2024. Her mother has written to the company, claiming that long working hours severely impacted her daughter’s physical, mental, and emotional health, an allegation the company has denied. The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has launched an investigation into the matter.

The NHRC has expressed concern over the media reports, stating that if the allegations are accurate, they raise significant issues about the well-being of young professionals. The Commission emphasized the mental stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation that many workers face in high-pressure environments, as they struggle to meet unrealistic deadlines and targets. Such conditions, the NHRC noted, could lead to serious human rights violations. The Commission reiterated that employers have a duty to create a safe and supportive environment for their employees, ensuring they are treated with respect and fairness.

In its statement, the NHRC urged companies to take greater responsibility for addressing human rights concerns in the workplace. It called on businesses to regularly update their employment policies to align with international human rights standards. The tragic death of the young professional, the Commission said, highlighted the urgent need for all stakeholders to take action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In response to the situation, the NHRC has issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, requesting a detailed report on the incident. The Commission also seeks updates on the ongoing investigation and details about measures being taken to prevent such occurrences. The Ministry has been asked to provide its response within four weeks.

According to a media report published on September 18, 2024, the deceased woman’s mother criticized the prevailing work culture, which she claimed prioritizes excessive work at the expense of employees’ health. She also expressed disappointment that the company did not attend her daughter’s funeral, despite its stated commitment to values and human rights.

This incident comes on the heels of other recent cases where the NHRC took notice of alleged unethical workplace practices at two multinational corporations in Haryana and Tamil Nadu. Both cases are currently under review by the Commission. The NHRC has consistently advocated for businesses to integrate human rights protections, especially for women, into their corporate policies to create safer, more sustainable work environments.

Last year, the Commission organized a conference focused on harmonizing human rights with business practices and climate concerns. Additionally, the NHRC appointed a ‘Special Monitor’ to investigate workplace environments that could lead to human rights violations. A ‘Core Group on Business and Human Rights’ was also formed to review existing laws and recommend changes aimed at improving the business environment.

The NHRC plans to submit its recommendations to both Central and State governments to ensure a more humane and health-conscious work culture across industries.