New Delhi, Sept 22:  The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of reports regarding the death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant from Kerala, who reportedly died in July 2024 in Pune due to excessive work demands at Ernst & Young (EY), where she had been employed for four months.

The victim’s mother claimed in a letter to the company that her daughter’s physical and mental health had severely deteriorated due to long working hours, a claim that the company denies. The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has initiated an investigation, according to the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

The NHRC, in response, raised concerns about the reported conditions, stating that if the allegations are true, they highlight serious issues such as mental stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep among young employees, all of which can lead to violations of human rights. The Commission emphasized that employers are obligated to ensure a safe, secure, and supportive work environment where workers are treated with dignity.

The NHRC also stressed the importance of businesses taking responsibility for human rights and regularly updating their workplace policies to align with global standards. The tragic death of the young employee, the NHRC noted, signals an urgent need for action to prevent similar incidents.

As a result, the NHRC issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, requesting a detailed report on the ongoing investigation. The Commission also asked for information on steps being taken to prevent such incidents from recurring, with a response expected within four weeks.

The victim’s mother highlighted that her daughter’s death reflects a broader work culture that prioritizes excessive work over employee well-being. She also criticized the company for failing to attend the funeral despite its stated values.

The NHRC has previously addressed similar issues involving multinational companies in Haryana and Tamil Nadu, with both cases still under review. The Commission has consistently advocated for businesses to incorporate human rights protections into their operations, particularly regarding workplace safety and the treatment of women.

In its ongoing efforts, the NHRC has appointed a ‘Special Monitor’ to oversee workplace-related human rights issues and established a ‘Core Group on Business and Human Rights’ to review and recommend improvements in existing laws. These recommendations will be shared with central and state governments to ensure human rights protection in business environments.