Maharashtra Labour Department Probes Death of EY Employee Due to Overwork

The Maharashtra Labour Department inspected EY's Pune office following the death of a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant, Anna Sebastian Perayil. The probe aims to evaluate working conditions after claims that overwork caused her death. The Union Labour Ministry is conducting an in-depth investigation.

The Maharashtra Labour Department conducted an inspection at the EY Pune office on Monday, following the death of 26-year-old Chartered Accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil, who allegedly died due to overwork. Senior officials reviewed the workspace to assess working conditions and gather pertinent information.

Shailendra Pol, Pune Additional Labour Commissioner, stated that various documents related to Anna were reviewed, and EY has been asked to submit these documents within seven days. Pol noted, "We have checked the working conditions and current situations at the office. We sought information about the working rules, welfare policy of the company, and policies for extra working hours."

Pol added that the deceased’s appointment letter and associated regulations were also scrutinized. The information will be compiled into a report for the Central government, which will decide on further actions. This inspection follows allegations from Anna’s mother that her daughter’s death resulted from excessive workload and pressure at EY. The Union Labour Ministry has initiated an extensive investigation into the complaint.

Anna Sebastian Perayil, a young chartered accountant from Kerala, had been working at EY’s Pune office for four months before her death on July 20, reportedly due to 'overwork.' Her demise has ignited a nationwide discourse on work-life balance, mental health, and corporate responsibility. EY issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over her passing.

The company’s statement followed a viral letter from Anna's mother, accusing EY’s demanding work culture of contributing to her daughter’s death. The letter described Anna’s struggles with anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress, blaming a managerial focus on work over employee welfare. EY acknowledged Anna’s brief tenure at the firm and extended its condolences to the grieving family.

Regarding the allegations, an EY spokesperson said, "We are taking the family's correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility. We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 100,000 people across EY member firms in India." The firm confirmed it has been offering assistance to the family and will maintain its support.