Parliament Sees Bill for After-Hours Work Protection
A new bill introduced in the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025 could soon give employees in India the legal right to ignore work-related calls and emails after official hours. The bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha on December 6, 2025, by Supriya Sule of the Nationalist Congress Party.
What the Bill Proposes
Under the Bill, every employee would have the right to “disconnect” from work communications — such as phone calls, emails or messages — outside of official working hours or on holidays. The Bill also suggests establishing an Employees’ Welfare Authority which would oversee compliance. Employers would not be allowed to penalize employees for refusing after-hours communications. If work is required after hours, it would count as overtime and be compensated accordingly.
Aims: Work-Life Balance and Mental Wellness
Supporters of the Bill argue it addresses growing concerns over “always-on” digital work culture, which can blur the line between professional and personal life. They say it could reduce stress, prevent burnout, and protect mental well-being by restoring boundaries between work and rest.
What Next: Private Bill, Public Debate
As a private member’s bill, the Right to Disconnect Bill does not guarantee becoming law — many such bills serve to initiate debate and influence future legislation. But its introduction has already sparked discussion on modern work culture, employee rights, and responsibilities of employers in a digital age.
