Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 Introduced in Lok Sabha
The ‘Right to Disconnect Bill 2025’ was introduced in India’s Lower House of Parliament, the Lok Sabha, on December 5, 2025. The bill, introduced as a Private Member’s Bill (PMB) by NCP MP Supriya Sule, is intended to grant employees the right to maintain a balance between their work and personal lives. Private Member’s Bills are proposed by MPs who are not holding ministerial positions.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The core objective of the bill is to prevent employees from being compelled to respond to calls, emails, or messages outside of regular office hours. Companies will be obligated to ensure compliance with the regulations. Specifically, employees will not be required to respond to communications after their working hours, and disciplinary action will not be taken against them if they are unavailable during off-hours.
Employee Rights and Company Responsibilities
The bill mandates that companies establish employee welfare committees to safeguard employee rights. A penalty of 1% of the employee’s total salary will be imposed on companies that fail to adhere to the regulations. Furthermore, state governments will set up Digital Detox Centers to educate employees on the balanced and secure use of digital devices. The implementation of this bill is expected to provide employees with more time for their personal lives and contribute to improved mental health.
‘Right to Disconnect’ Laws in Other Countries
Prior to India’s introduction of this bill, several countries have already implemented ‘Right to Disconnect’ laws.
France: In 2017, France became the first country in the world to order companies with 50 or more employees to establish rules regarding after-hours emails and calls, aiming to allow employees to disconnect from digital devices and protect their private lives.
Belgium: From 2023, companies with 20 or more employees are required to establish rules, including clear boundaries for rest periods and the use of digital devices.
Spain: Spain has incorporated the ‘Right to Disconnect’ into its labor and telework laws, with potential legal action against companies that fail to comply.
Portugal: Here, the law is the strictest, making it illegal for employees to contact each other without an emergency. Every employee is required to ensure at least 11 hours of continuous rest each day.
Italy and Greece: These countries primarily implement rules for remote and flexible work. Remote or flexible work contracts must include provisions for rest periods and disconnecting from digital devices. In Greece, it is ensured that there is no discrimination against employees who comply with the ‘Right to Disconnect’.
Australia: Recently, Australia enacted a law allowing employees to refuse to respond to after-hours calls, messages, and emails. Employees can file complaints with the Fair Work Commission if disputes arise.
The Importance of a ‘Right to Disconnect’ Law
In today’s working environment, employees are constantly facing stress and fatigue. Prolonged engagement with digital devices negatively impacts their sleep and mental health. The pressure to immediately respond to emails or messages – often referred to as “Telepressure” – affects employees’ personal time. Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is essential for employee productivity and mental well-being. The implementation of this bill will allow employees to disconnect from digital devices after office hours, prioritizing their mental and physical health.
Benefits of the Bill
The bill’s implementation will alleviate pressure on employees and provide them with opportunities to spend time on their personal lives. Companies will be required to comply with the regulations and provide resources for digital detox. This step is considered crucial for bringing about changes in the Indian work culture. Future impacts are expected to increase employee work productivity, reduce stress, and promote balance in the workplace.
