Kerala introduces ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill 2025 to protect employees from after-hours work pressure

76

The Kerala Assembly has tabled the Right to Disconnect Bill 2025, making it the first Indian state to propose legislation that allows private-sector employees to ignore work-related communication after official working hours without facing disciplinary action.

The Bill mandates that companies must establish clear policies outlining “no-contact periods”, ensuring employees can disconnect from work communication channels — including calls, emails, and instant messaging — during non-working hours, weekends, and holidays.

According to the draft, employees cannot be penalised for declining after-hours communication unless it pertains to critical operational emergencies. The legislation seeks to address growing concerns over burnout, stress, and digital fatigue in a post-pandemic hybrid work environment.

Kerala Labour Minister V. Sivankutty stated that the Bill reflects the state’s commitment to modernising labour laws in line with global best practices seen in countries like France, Spain, and Ireland, which already enforce similar rights for workers.

The proposed law also encourages organisations to introduce employee wellness frameworks and mental health support programs, ensuring productivity does not come at the cost of personal well-being.

If passed, the law could become a precedent for other Indian states, potentially sparking a nationwide dialogue around digital boundaries in corporate work culture.