Anna Sebastian Death: EY Office Lacked Permit That Regulates Work Hours, Says Report

Pune: The Death of EY Pune employee, Anna Sebastian who allegedly died of excessive work pressure stirred a nationwide debate on the toxic work culture.

The EY Pune has landed itself in another controversy, as reports suggest the branch operating since 2007 did not have a state permit that regulates work hours.

The central government is investigating the matter as well.

Shailendra Pol, Maharashtra 's additional labor commissioner, said EY Pune operated without a mandatory registration under the state's Shops and Establishments Act after an inspection in the office.

"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 said.

The law allows a maximum of nine hours for working adults and 48 hours each week.

"The company applied for a registration with the labour department only in February 2024 and we rejected it because it had not applied since 2007 when it started this office," Shailendra Pol told Reuters on Tuesday, adding that EY has been given seven days to explain the lapse.

If non-compliance with the law results in an accident-causing serious bodily injury or death of a worker, it could lead to imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to ₹ 500,000, or both.

"We have also reviewed the appointment letter of the deceased, and the rules and regulations mentioned in it. Once we receive all the requested information, we will submit a report to the Central government, after which they will take further action," Pol added.

Her mother's letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, alleges pressure from the managers and long working hours affected her daughter's health. 

(Inputs from agencies)