Sibi Joseph, father of Anna Sebastian Perayil, the 26-year-old Chartered Accountant who died on July 21, has announced that the family will not take legal action against EY Global. Perayil, who worked at S R Batliboi, an EY Global member firm in Yerawada, Pune, reportedly passed away due to “work-related stress.”
Family’s Decision on Legal Action
Sibi Joseph has stated that the family has decided against pursuing legal recourse. Despite claims from Perayil’s mother that her daughter’s death was due to an overwhelming workload and stress, Joseph has chosen to focus on ensuring such incidents do not recur rather than engaging in legal battles.
“Anna was very active and healthy,” Joseph remarked. “She frequently complained about extreme work pressure and insufficient rest, which we believe contributed to her health issues. We advised her to consider leaving the job, but she wanted to stay due to the firm’s reputation.”
Government and Public Reaction
Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, has promised a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Perayil’s death. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A comprehensive investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is currently underway,” Karandlaje stated.
BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar also called for an investigation, describing the situation as both tragic and concerning. He urged the Government of India to look into the claims made by Perayil’s family regarding the unsafe working conditions.
Company’s Response
EY India has responded to the allegations, denying any link between Perayil’s death and work pressure. Rajiv Memani, EY India Chairman, stated, “Anna worked with us for only four months. We do not believe that work pressure was a factor in her death. We have provided support to her family during this challenging time and will continue to do so.”
Perayil had joined S R Batliboi in March 2024 and was part of the audit team. The company has expressed condolences and emphasized their commitment to supporting the family in their time of distress.
Conclusion
The decision by the family not to pursue legal action highlights the need for continued scrutiny and improvement of workplace conditions. While legal proceedings will not be pursued, the focus remains on addressing and preventing similar issues in the future to ensure a safe and supportive work environment for all employees.
