Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday shared details of a “heartrending” conversation he had with the father of Ernst & Young employee Anna Sebastian Perayil, who allegedly passed away due to work-related stress. Following the discussion, Tharoor announced his intention to propose legislation in Parliament aimed at addressing workplace practices and reducing inhuman treatment in work environments.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor revealed that Sibi Joseph, Anna’s father, suggested the introduction of a fixed calendar to regulate working hours across all sectors. Tharoor expressed his agreement, stating that he would raise the matter in Parliament.
“He suggested, and I agreed, that I raise the issue of legislating, through Parliament, a fixed calendar for all workplaces, whether in the private sector or the public, that would not exceed eight hours a day, five days a week,” Tharoor tweeted.
Anna Sebastian Perayil, who had joined Ernst & Young India in March, tragically passed away on July 20 after reporting exhaustion. The incident gained widespread attention when her mother, Anita Augustine, penned an open letter to the company, alleging that her daughter had been subjected to “extreme work pressure.”
Tharoor emphasized the importance of human rights in the workplace, adding, “Human rights do not stop at the workplace. Inhumanity at the workplace must be legislated out of existence with stringent punishment and fines for offenders. I will raise this matter at the first opportunity during the next session of Parliament.”
The incident has sparked significant outrage on social media, particularly over the absence of representatives from Ernst & Young at Anna’s funeral. Ernst & Young India chairperson Rajiv Memani has since faced severe criticism after denying that work pressure contributed to the employee’s death.
In response to the public outcry, the Indian government has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Anna’s death. “A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway,” said Minister of State for Labour Shobha Karandlaje earlier this week.
