Employee's father refuses legal action against employer
The father of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant who passed away on July 21, has announced that the family will not take legal action against her employer, EY Global’s member firm, S R Batliboi.
Anna’s mother has alleged that her daughter succumbed to “work-related stress” due to an overwhelming workload. Colleagues reported that she experienced cardiac arrest, with her family citing extreme work pressure as a significant factor in her health decline.
Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, has pledged a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Anna’s death. In a statement on social media, she expressed her condolences and acknowledged the need to look into allegations of an unsafe work environment.
BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar also voiced concerns, describing the situation as “very sad but also disturbing at many levels.” He urged the government to investigate claims made by Anna’s mother regarding the exploitative work conditions.
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Anna, who joined S R Batliboi in March 2024 after passing her CA exams, reportedly faced significant work pressures, often working late into the night. Her father, Sibi Joseph, noted that she was active and healthy prior to her employment, regularly participating in sports and exercise. Despite discussing the possibility of quitting her job due to stress, Anna chose to remain, believing in the firm’s reputation.
Joseph shared that during a family visit in July, a cardiologist confirmed Anna’s physical health but attributed her condition to a lack of sleep and poor nutrition. He emphasized the family’s decision to write to the company’s chairman to advocate for workplace improvements, stating, “We are not going to take any legal steps against the company.”
In response to the tragedy, Rajiv Memani, chairman of EY India, expressed sorrow over Anna’s untimely death, highlighting that she had been with the firm for only four months. Memani maintained that work pressure could not have been the cause of her death, asserting that Anna’s workload was consistent with that of other employees. He added that the firm has extended support to the family during this difficult time.
As investigations proceed, the case has ignited discussions about workplace mental health and employee welfare in high-pressure industries.
