NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Chartered Accountant’s Death Due to Excessive Workload in Pune.
New Delhi:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated suo motu proceedings regarding the reported death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant from Kerala, who died in Pune on July 20, 2024, allegedly due to excessive workload at Ernst & Young. The incident has raised serious concerns about the mental and physical health challenges faced by young professionals in demanding work environments.
The NHRC has noted that the mother of the deceased claimed in a letter to the company that long working hours severely impacted her daughter’s health, a claim the firm has denied. The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment is currently investigating the matter.
In response to this tragic incident, the NHRC emphasized the need for businesses to be accountable for human rights issues and called for a review of their work cultures and employment policies to align with global human rights standards. The Commission stated that every employer has a fundamental duty to provide a safe and supportive environment for their employees, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect.
A notice has been issued to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, requesting a comprehensive report within four weeks, detailing the investigation’s findings and outlining measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The mother of the deceased criticized the corporate culture that glorifies excessive work at the expense of health, questioning how a company that promotes values could neglect its employees’ welfare. The NHRC’s action follows previous cognizance of alleged unfair practices by multinational companies, reflecting a broader concern for workplace conditions and human rights protection.
The NHRC has been advocating for the integration of human rights considerations into business practices and has appointed a ‘Special Monitor’ to address workplace violations. It aims to formulate recommendations to the Central and State governments for fostering a healthy work environment across industries.
