Gurugram: Notices to two leading law firms for violating WFH rule

As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi, the National Capital Region (NCR), and Gurugram slipped into the 'poor' category, the district administration has issued show-cause notices to several private business establishments for allegedly violating directions to limit physical office attendance to 50 percent as part of efforts to curb regional air pollution.

According to a Mint report, among the organizations that received notices are at least two leading corporate law firms, Trilegal and JSA Advocates & Solicitors, whose offices are located on Golf Course Road in Sector 42.

This action against these entities came days after Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh, following directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), made 50 percent work from home (WFH) mandatory for private institutions on Tuesday.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the show-cause notices were issued following a surprise inspection conducted on Thursday by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Badshahpur.

The inspection revealed that against a total workforce of 117 employees at the office of JSA Advocates & Solicitors, approximately 87 employees were present, which exceeded the permitted on-site limit of roughly 58. Similarly, at the Trilegal office, against a total staff strength of 262 employees, approximately 160 employees were present, which was higher than the permissible limit of around 131 under the 50 percent attendance rule.

The notices stated that the number of employees present in both offices exceeded the permissible limit of 50 percent, which demonstrates non-compliance with the directives issued by the administration.

Directions were given by the SDM's office to the management of both law firms to submit a written response along with supporting documents within 24 hours. These firms were also asked to provide information regarding their total employee strength, biometric and attendance records for the day of inspection, employee rosters, and the staff authorized to work remotely.

The notices also warned that failure to submit a satisfactory response within the stipulated period would invite action under Section 14 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 (CAQM Act).

On Tuesday, Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh, keeping the worsening pollution situation in view, directed all private institutions to limit physical staff attendance to 50 percent between 5 and 20 November.

On Friday, Singh stated that strict compliance with the directives issued by CAQM to reduce air pollution is essential. He added that teams from all subdivisions are monitoring institutions and private units, and the issuance of notices to any violators will continue.

Citing district administration sources, the report noted that this was the first instance of corporate offices across Gurugram receiving show-cause notices for violating the anti-pollution work-from-home directive.

Officials also stated that in response to complaints posted on social media, inspection teams are conducting surprise visits, where employees and residents are tagging the Deputy Commissioner to flag workplaces violating the rules.

Private offices in Gurugram are under increased scrutiny to ensure compliance with WFH norms as the administration has intensified inspections and warned of legal action against non-compliant establishments.