New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports regarding the tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant from Kerala, who passed away in Pune on July 20, 2024.
The young professional, employed by Ernst & Young for four months, allegedly succumbed to the pressures of excessive workload.
Her mother has accused the company of overworking her daughter to the point of physical and mental exhaustion—a charge that the company denies. In response, the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has initiated an investigation into the incident.
The NHRC has raised alarm over the content of these reports, noting that if proven true, they point to serious issues faced by young professionals in demanding work environments.
The Commission noted that such conditions, including mental stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep, could lead to human rights violations as employees chase unrealistic targets under immense pressure.
The NHRC emphasized the duty of employers to provide a safe, secure, and positive work atmosphere where employees are treated with dignity and fairness.
In light of this, the Commission issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, requesting a comprehensive report on the matter.
It also called for details regarding the investigation into the young woman’s death, along with steps being taken to ensure that similar incidents are avoided in the future. The response from the ministry is expected within four weeks.
The mother of the deceased has pointed out that her daughter’s death highlights a deeper issue in today’s corporate culture, which often glorifies hard work at the expense of employee health.
She questioned Ernst & Young’s commitment to values and human rights, noting the company's absence from her daughter’s funeral.
This case is not an isolated instance. The NHRC had earlier taken cognizance of alleged unethical work practices by multinational companies in Haryana and Tamil Nadu.
These cases remain under the Commission’s review. Over the years, the NHRC has emphasized the need for businesses to incorporate human rights safeguards into their operations, with a particular focus on ensuring a secure and supportive environment for women workers.
In 2023, the Commission convened a conference to raise awareness among businesses about the intersection of human rights and climate issues, underlining the importance of a healthy work environment.
The NHRC has also created a ‘Core Group on Business and Human Rights’ tasked with reviewing workplace regulations and making recommendations to the government to promote sustainable and human rights-compliant business practices.