The Right to Disconnect Bill, introduced in 2018 as a private member’s bill in the Lok Sabha, proposes giving employees the legal right to refuse work-related calls, emails and messages after official working hours. The bill was introduced by MP Supriya Sule and aims to create clear separation between an employee’s work obligations and personal time.
The bill requires companies with more than a specified number of employees to draft policies outlining work hours, permissible communication timelines, and compensation models for after-hours work. It also proposes the formation of employee–employer committees to negotiate expectations and address complaints related to excessive digital communication.
“India’s discussion on the proposed ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill brings forward a significant conversation on how a rapidly expanding economy navigates the pressures of an always-connected workforce. With work becoming more digitally driven, establishing clearer boundaries for rest and recovery is becoming essential to sustain long-term productivity and build a resilient, people-first workplace. A number of European nations have implemented comparable frameworks, demonstrating that employee well-being and economic competitiveness can co-exist when policies are designed with balance and practicality. For India, however, it is equally important to acknowledge that certain foundational workforce priorities, such as the smooth implementation of the new labour laws, require immediate focus before additional regulation is considered. The question is not whether such norms are viable, but how they can be designed thoughtfully and introduced at the right time to support business continuity while strengthening the future of work. A measured, phased approach will allow both employees and organisations to grow without constraining progress.” Mr. Sunil Chemmankotil, Country Manager, Adecco India
The legislation outlines that employees should not face penalties for choosing not to respond to official communication after work hours. It also states that organisations must define emergency categories where communication may still be permitted.
The bill has not been passed by Parliament. As of 2025, there is no legal framework in India enforcing the right to disconnect. Discussions on the topic have continued in the context of remote work and increasing reliance on digital communication, but no official law has been enacted.
