In a significant move aimed at protecting employees from the pervasive 'always-on' work culture, Member of Parliament Supriya Sule has introduced a pioneering bill in the Lok Sabha. The proposed legislation seeks to legally empower workers to switch off from professional communications outside their designated work hours and on holidays.
What Does the 'Right to Disconnect' Bill Propose?
The private member's bill, titled the 'Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025', was tabled by the NCP (SP) leader on December 5, a day reserved for such bills in Parliament. The core objective is to establish an 'Employees Welfare Authority' that would formally grant employees the right to ignore work-related phone calls, emails, and other digital communications once their shift ends.
Advocating for the bill on social media platform X, Sule stated it aims to foster a better quality of life and a healthier work-life balance by directly addressing the burnout fueled by today's digital culture. The bill's 'statement of objects and reasons' cites a World Economic Forum report predicting that over 70% of the mobile workforce will soon be able to work from anywhere. While this offers flexibility, it also dangerously blurs the line between professional and personal life.
Key Provisions and Penalties for Non-Compliance
The legislation is not just about granting rights; it also outlines concrete measures for enforcement and support. A standout provision is the proposed financial penalty for companies that violate the rules. Entities found non-compliant could face a sanction of 1% of their total employees' remuneration.
Beyond penalties, the bill takes a holistic approach to employee well-being. It proposes:
- Counselling services to raise public awareness about the reasonable use of digital tools.
- The creation of digital detox centres to help individuals break free from constant connectivity and reconnect with people around them.
Balancing Employee Rights with Business Needs
Recognizing the diverse needs of India's corporate landscape, the bill does not impose a one-size-fits-all mandate. Instead, it advocates for flexibility. It places the onus on individual companies to negotiate specific terms of service with their employees regarding after-hours work expectations.
This approach ensures that the competitive requirements and unique work cultures of different industries are considered. Ultimately, the bill champions employee welfare by mandating that organizations formally discuss and agree upon out-of-hour service conditions, thereby upholding the fundamental right of an employee to disconnect and reclaim personal time.
If passed, this legislation could mark a transformative shift in India's labor laws, setting a precedent for protecting mental health and personal space in the increasingly digital workplace.
