Gurgaon law firms flout 50% WFH rule imposed to curb pollution, disgruntled employees tip off CAQM, inspections find 160 of 262 Trilegal staff and 87 of 117 JSA employees in office; both firms get showcause notices

GURGAON: Two law firms in the city were issued showcause notices for violating the 50% work from home directive currently in force in Delhi-NCR. Disgruntled employees, not administrative alacrity, are believed to have precipitated the move - sources said inspections were conducted at the premises of the firms on Nov 5 after the attendance rule "breach" was reported from within to Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).The 50% attendance rule, along with a complete ban on construction, is in effect from Nov 5-20 as part of CAQM's pollution mitigation measures for the period when the air quality index is usually at its worst.The Nov 5 inspections found 160 of Trilegal's 262 employees present at its offices on the 18th and 19th floors of Godrej GCR. At JSA Advocates & Solicitors' offices on the ninth floor of the same building, 87 of 117 employees were physically present.Issued by the subdivisional magistrate (SDM) Badshapur, the notices are the first time penal provisions have been invoked in Delhi-NCR for WFH violation since the mandate came into force on Nov 5.The SDM sought an explanation of the breach from the firms within 24 hours, along with supporting documents, biometric attendance records, the roster implementing the WFH arrangement and details of employees permitted to work from home."The firms were warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period, or an unsatisfactory explanation, could invite proceedings under Section 14 of CAQM Act, 2021 and other applicable laws," said deputy commissioner Uttam Singh. Penalties under this section amount to imprisonment up to 5 years, a fine up to Rs 1 crore, or both.A representative of Trilegal said more than 50% of its employees were present because a puja was being conducted in the office. A JSA official said those present included employees, clients and visitors. Both firms said they would submit detailed responses to the administration.SDM Sanjeev Singla said inspections were conducted at five firms and violations were found only at these two. While the CAQM directive makes an exception for essential services, industry representatives in the city said it should be a non-binding directive. Ashok Kohli of the Chamber of Industries, Udyog Vihar, said adhering to the 50% WFH rule is difficult even for service-sector establishments.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Gurgaon | Silver Rate in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon | Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Petrol Price in Gurgaon | Diesel Price in Gurgaon | CNG Price in Gurgaon | LPG Price in GurgaonStay updated with the latest Gurgaon news. Download the TOI App.