India’s Right to Disconnect Bill 2025: India Joins France, Australia and Portugal

In a landmark move, India introduced the Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha on 5 December 2025. If passed, Indian employees will legally be able to ignore work emails, WhatsApp messages, and calls after office hours — just like workers in France, Australia, Portugal, and 15+ other countries.

Here’s everything you need to know about India’s Right to Disconnect law, its current status, key provisions, global comparison, and what it means for your work-life balance in 2026.

What is the Right to Disconnect?

The “Right to Disconnect” is a labour law that allows employees to switch off from work-related digital communication (emails, Slack, Teams, WhatsApp, calls) outside their contracted working hours without facing punishment, demotion, or guilt.

First introduced by France in 2017, it has rapidly spread across Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific as a direct response to burnout, 24/7 work culture, and the mental health crisis caused by constant connectivity.

India’s Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 – Latest Status (Dec 2025)

Important: Despite viral headlines claiming “India passes Right to Disconnect law”, the bill is still pending. Private member’s bills rarely become law without government backing.

Key Features of India’s 2025 Bill

1. Legal Right to Ignore non-emergency work messages after working hours & on holidays
2. Mandatory Company Policy – Every organisation must frame clear after-hours contact rules in consultation with employees
3. Overtime Compensation if you agree to respond outside regular hours
4. Employees’ Welfare Authority – New body to monitor, investigate complaints, impose fines, and run “digital detox centres”
5. Penalty for Employers – Up to 1% of total employee remuneration as fine
6. Exceptions for genuine emergencies or pre-agreed shift changes

Right to Disconnect Around the World (2025)

Will Indian IT, Startups & BPOs Be Affected the Most?

Yes. India’s IT/ITeS sector is notorious for late-night calls with US/Europe clients and “always-on” culture. If the bill passes:

• Stand-up calls at 10 PM may need written consent + overtime pay
• “Ping me anytime” culture on WhatsApp could become illegal
• Companies may block corporate email access after 7–8 PM (like Volkswagen Germany does since 2011)

Many firms (Infosys, Wipro, TCS) already have voluntary “no email after 7 PM” policies, but a law would make it mandatory and enforceable.

What Happens Next?

1. Standing Committee review (expected Jan–Mar 2026)
2. Possible amendments & government version (more likely to pass)
3. Rajya Sabha approval → President’s assent
4. Rules & notification – earliest implementation possible mid-2026

Even if the private bill lapses, Labour Ministry sources indicate the government is seriously studying a version for the 2026 Budget Session.

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