NHRC takes cognizance of Kerala Chartered Accountant’s death in Pune

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of reports alleging that a 26-year-old woman from Kerala, working with Ernst & Young in Pune, died due to excessive workload. The NHRC has raised concerns over the impact of high-pressure work environments on employee well-being.

NHRC issues notice to Labour Ministry

The NHRC has issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, seeking a detailed report on the matter. The Commission is particularly interested in the findings of the ongoing investigation and any preventive steps taken to avoid future incidents. The Ministry has been given four weeks to respond.

Mother blames work culture for daughter’s death

The deceased woman’s mother wrote to Ernst & Young, claiming that long work hours and high stress levels had a severe impact on her daughter’s physical and mental health. She criticized the company for not attending her daughter’s funeral, questioning their commitment to values and human rights. Ernst & Young has denied the allegations.

Human rights and business accountability

The NHRC emphasized the responsibility of businesses to ensure a safe and supportive work environment that upholds human rights. The Commission noted that the pressures of chasing unrealistic targets and timelines can lead to severe physical and mental health issues, which could constitute human rights violations.

Previous NHRC involvement in corporate work culture

This is not the first time the NHRC has taken note of corporate practices. In previous cases involving multinational companies in Haryana and Tamil Nadu, the Commission raised concerns over unfair workplace conditions. The NHRC has consistently urged businesses to integrate human rights protections into their policies and operational frameworks.

Broader initiative on business and human rights

The NHRC has been actively involved in promoting the integration of human rights within corporate environments. Last year, the Commission hosted a conference focusing on harmonizing human rights and business practices, emphasizing the creation of a healthy work environment. Additionally, a ‘Core Group on Business and Human Rights’ was established to review existing regulations and suggest improvements to ensure better protection of workers’ rights.