Right to Disconnect Reform in India

Rising Need for Clearer Boundaries

Right to Disconnect Reform in India: The increasing overlap between professional and personal time has heightened concerns around digital burnout and constant connectivity. The Right to Disconnect Bill 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha, addresses this by proposing legal protection for employees who choose not to engage in work communication after office hours. The measure reflects a broader shift towards safeguarding mental health in tech-enabled work environments.
Static GK fact: India legally follows a 48-hour work week under the Factories Act, 1948.

Core Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to give employees the autonomy to ignore work-related calls, messages, and emails once working hours are over. It proposes that individuals should not face penalties or adverse treatment for respecting their personal time. By defining boundaries, the bill recognises the need for healthier working conditions in a rapidly digitising economy.
Static GK Tip: Private Member Bills account for a small fraction of legislation introduced in Parliament.

Key Provisions Explained

The bill mandates that employees cannot be compelled to respond to work communication beyond scheduled hours or during holidays. It covers all formats, including calls, texts, emails, and video meetings. Organisations must also establish mutually agreed norms for emergency situations. If an employee voluntarily works beyond hours, the bill suggests overtime pay at the regular wage rate, ensuring fairness in compensation.

Penalties for Violation

To ensure adherence, the legislation proposes a penalty amounting to 1% of the employee’s total remuneration if an organisation breaches the rule. This financial deterrent is intended to limit unnecessary after-hours interaction and encourage structured communication systems within workplaces.

Emergency Flexibility

The bill allows exceptions for genuine emergencies. Employers and employees can outline specific terms for such cases through internal committees. This flexibility ensures that operational continuity does not compromise individual well-being.
Static GK fact: Workplace committees are also mandated under the Industrial Disputes Act for grievance redressal.

Importance for Mental Health

The accompanying note to the bill highlights global findings on issues like sleep loss, anxiety, and telepressure, all linked to excessive digital connectivity. It argues that modern tools have created an “always available” mindset that threatens emotional and physical health. Addressing this is crucial as India maintains one of the longest statutory workweeks globally.

Renewed Push for Reform

The proposal follows an earlier attempt in 2019 that did not progress. With extensive remote work adoption and rising public awareness, the 2025 version carries greater urgency. The shift reflects evolving workplace norms shaped by the pandemic era and increasing reliance on digital communication.

Global Trends

Countries such as France, Italy, and the Philippines have already recognised the right to disconnect through formal legislation. France’s 2017 mandate requires firms with over 50 employees to define after-hours communication policy. India’s initiative aligns with this global movement supporting worker welfare in the digital age.
Static GK fact: France was the first country to formally legislate the right to disconnect in 2017.

Broader Significance

The bill marks an important milestone in modern labour discourse by emphasising respect for personal time and mental well-being. As India’s workforce grows within a highly connected environment, structured protections become central to sustainable productivity and healthy workplace culture.

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Right to Disconnect Reform in India: