Wed Sep 25 08:34:17 UTC 2024: ## EY Office in India Operates Without Permit, Facing Scrutiny After Employee Death

**Pune, India** – An Ernst & Young (EY) office in Pune, India, has been operating without a mandatory state permit since 2007, a senior government official revealed. The revelation comes amidst scrutiny surrounding the death of 26-year-old audit executive Anna Sebastian Perayil, whose mother blamed her death on a “backbreaking” workload.

Perayil’s mother, Anita Augustine, alleged in a letter that her daughter faced excessive hours and pressure, working late into the night and on weekends. The incident has sparked a federal government investigation and a viral social media campaign, prompting calls for better employee protection in high-pressure industries.

Shailendra Pol, Maharashtra’s additional labor commissioner, said the EY office failed to register under the state’s Shops and Establishments Act, which caps working hours at nine hours per day and 48 hours per week. EY applied for registration in February 2024, but it was rejected due to the lapse in compliance.

Pol’s team is now demanding details from EY, including employee hours, welfare policies, and information regarding Perayil’s workload during her four months as an associate. Non-compliance with the law could result in a fine of up to 500,000 rupees ($5,979) or six months of imprisonment.

EY has stated that it is providing full cooperation with the Ministry of Labour investigation and that it places the highest importance on employee well-being. The company has also expressed sympathy for the family’s loss.

This incident follows the death of a junior banker at Bank of America in May, highlighting concerns about employee mental and physical health within high-pressure work environments. JPMorgan recently created a new role to address these concerns.

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