India

Gurugram Law Firms Receive Show‑Cause Notices for Exceeding 50% Work‑From‑Home Rule

By Swati Gandhi

The district administration in Gurugram has issued show‑cause notices to several private commercial establishments for allegedly violating the directive that limits physical office attendance to 50% as part of efforts to curb regional air pollution. The notices were sent to at least two prominent corporate law firms, Trilegal and JSA Advocates & Solicitors, whose offices are on Golf Course Road (GCR) in Sector 42. The action followed a directive from Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh on Tuesday, which mandated 50% work‑from‑home (WFH) for private establishments between 5 and 20 November, in line with directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The show‑cause notices were issued on Thursday by the Sub‑Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Badshahpur after surprise inspections. The inspections found that JSA Advocates & Solicitors had about 87 employees present at its office, against a total workforce of 117, exceeding the permitted on‑site limit of approximately 58. Trilegal had around 160 employees present, out of a total staff strength of 262, against a permissible limit of about 131 under the 50% attendance rule. The notices state that the number of employees present at both offices was “in excess of the permissible limit of 50%, thereby indicating non‑compliance with the directions” issued by the administration. Management at both law firms was directed by the SDM’s office to submit a written response, along with supporting documents, within 24 hours. The firms were also asked to provide details of their total workforce, biometric and attendance records for the day of inspection, employee rosters and information on staff authorised to work remotely. The notices warn that failure to submit a satisfactory response within the stipulated period will invite proceedings under Section 14 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 (CAQM Act). On Friday, Deputy Commissioner Singh said, “Directions issued by the CAQM to mitigate air pollution must be followed in letter and spirit.” He added, “Teams across all subdivisions are monitoring institutions and private units, and notices will continue to be issued to any violators.” The administration has stepped up inspections and warned of legal action against non‑compliant establishments, increasing scrutiny of private offices in Gurugram to ensure adherence to the 50% WFH mandate.