Why India Is Talking About The Right To Disconnect

Earlier, the workday followed a predictable rhythm. Once the shift ended, responsibilities stayed behind, and personal time took over. There was a clear sense of when work stopped and life outside it began. That separation has gradually faded. It’s a Friday evening, the week is finally winding down, and just as you’re about to log off, a message appears: “Can we connect?” For many salaried workers across India, this is now routine. Work often extends beyond official hours, reaching into nights, weekends, holidays, and time off, with replies quietly expected whenever the phone lights up.

Across global studies on work stress, India frequently stands out. The McKinsey Health Institute’s 2023 survey found that 59% of Indian employees said they were experiencing burnout, highlighting just how common long hours and exhaustion have become.

On December 5, NCP MP Supriya Sule brought a private member’s bill to the Lok Sabha, and it soon became a talking point online. While such bills are often taken up briefly and then set aside, the proposed Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 resonated widely and drew attention far beyond Parliament. So, what does the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, actually propose? In simple terms, it aims to protect employees from being expected to stay reachable outside office hours or on days off. It allows workers to ignore work calls or messages once the day is done, without worrying about disciplinary action.

As per the provisions included in the bill, employees are under no obligation to respond to work-related communications, such as calls, emails, or messages, outside of working hours, and they cannot face disciplinary measures for declining to do so. This protection extends to all communication channels, including telephone calls, text messages, emails, and video conferences. Employers and employees are required to negotiate and agree upon protocols for any necessary emergency contacts. Violations by organisations may incur a penalty equivalent to 1% of the total employee remuneration.

The Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, is a private member’s bill, which means it was introduced by an MP who isn’t a minister. Usually, these bills spark important discussions and highlight key issues, but they rarely end up becoming law. Supriya Sule first introduced a similar proposal in 2019. The updated bill comes at a time when some leaders were advocating longer work hours, and many employees were getting used to being constantly online. Meanwhile, a post is currently circulating on social media claiming that the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, has been passed in the Lok Sabha. However, it’s important to clarify that while the bill has been introduced, it has not yet been approved by Parliament.