Gurugram administration issues notices to law firms for violating WFH rule
Two corporate law firms allegedly exceeded the 50 per cent physical attendance cap set to reduce regional air pollution.
The Gurugram district administration has issued show-cause notices to several private commercial establishments for allegedly violating a directive to restrict physical employee attendance to 50 per cent. According to The Indian Express, the notices were served to at least two prominent corporate law firms, Trilegal and JSA Advocates & Solicitors, following surprise on-site inspections by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Badshahpur on November 5.
The mandatory work-from-home (WFH) order was issued by Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh on November 3, following directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The measure aims to reduce vehicular emissions and air pollution by limiting the number of employees in offices between November 5 and November 20.
During the inspections at the Sector 42 offices, officials found that the number of staff present exceeded the permitted limit. For JSA Advocates & Solicitors, which has a total staff strength of 117, approximately 87 employees were found on-site. At Trilegal, which has 262 employees, approximately 160 staff members were present.
The SDM's office has directed the management of both firms to submit written explanations and supporting documents, such as biometric records and roster schedules, within 24 hours. Failure to provide a satisfactory response may lead to proceedings under Section 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021.
Deputy Commissioner Singh stated on Friday that teams are monitoring private units and institutions, adding that notices will continue to be issued to violators. This marks the first time corporate offices in the district have received such notices for violating anti-pollution WFH rules.