Kerala has proposed a landmark piece of legislation—the Right to Disconnect Bill 2025—which would grant private-sector employees the legal authority to stop responding to all work-related digital communications outside of their fixed office hours.
This initiative marks India’s first state-level effort to redefine workplace culture, following the precedent set by international models already established in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Belgium.
The Law’s Core Protections
The proposed law provides vital protection for individual employees:
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Employees gain the right to ignore work-related calls, emails, texts, or meeting requests sent outside of designated office hours.
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They may log off after their scheduled workweek ends without fear of facing consequences.
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Crucially, the law prohibits employers from imposing penalties, demotion, or termination on employees who exercise this right.
Lawmakers emphasize that the bill is primarily intended to secure a better work-life balance for employees, recognizing how deeply modern employment often intrudes into evenings, nights, and weekends.
Enforcement and Agreements
To strengthen the law’s implementation, the bill proposes the creation of a Private Sector Employment Grievance Redressal Committee in every district. As reported by The Times of India, this committee will be chaired by the regional joint labour commissioner, assisted by the deputy labour commissioner and the district labour officer.
The law’s summary outlines that official workdays will be established through firm agreements, defining the specific hours beyond which employees are free to stop all work-related communication.
Benefits for Employees
The legislation is designed to combat the “always being on call” mentality, allowing workers to rest, rejuvenate, and enjoy their personal freedom without interference, including during vacations or scheduled breaks.
This freedom from work-related stress, in turn, is expected to lead to a better workplace culture and more motivated, focused, and productive employees.
The Right to Disconnect Bill now proceeds through the legislative process in Kerala, requiring clarification on hourly definitions, employer compliance frameworks, and awareness programs across the state.
