'Death caused by hostile work environment is a social problem': Delhi HC on toxic work culture

The Delhi High Court on Friday said that death is caused due to toxic work culture and is a social problem which requires the government, labour unions, corporates and health officials to formulate appropriate policies.

The observations were made by a single judge bench of Justice Jasmeet Singh while hearing a bail plea of the former Secretary of Central Board of Irrigation and Power, accused of turning a blind eye to e-mails sent by a manager who allegedly died by suicide in 2020 due to hostile work environment.

The husband of the late manager had filed an FIR against the former secretary and others saying that his wife had sent 2 emails about the behaviour of senior officials, but instead of taking action, the former secretary chose to take no action and created a hostile environment leading to the death of the former employee.

The court cited an example of Japan where the government acknowledged deaths caused due to overwork and toxic work culture. Subsequently, the govt drafted policies to address mental healthcare in places.