No More Work Calls After Work? Lok Sabha Introduces Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025

NCP MP Supriya Sule has introduced the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, aiming to give employees the legal right to ignore work-related calls, emails and messages once their office hours are over or when they are on leave.

The bill was tabled during the ongoing winter session of Parliament, even as discussions continue under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in 12 states.

What the Bill Proposes

The Bill clearly states that employees must not be forced to respond to any official communication after working hours. It gives workers the right to say no to calls, texts, emails or video meetings without worrying about disciplinary action.

Key points include:

• Employees are not required to answer any work-related messages after office hours or on holidays.
• No action can be taken against workers for refusing to respond.
• The rule covers all communication platforms—calls, SMS, emails, video calls and more.
• Employers and employees must mutually decide rules for emergency communication.
• Companies violating these rights may face a penalty of 1% of total employee remuneration.

Emergency Situations

The Bill recognises that some roles may require urgent communication. It therefore proposes a committee to frame pre-agreed emergency rules for contacting employees after hours.

If an employee decides to work beyond office hours, they should receive overtime pay at their normal wage rate.

Why the Bill Matters

The Bill highlights how digital tools, while useful, have blurred the boundaries between work and personal life. It points to rising issues such as:

• Sleep loss
• Stress and emotional burnout
• Pressure to reply immediately (telepressure)
• “Info-obesity” caused by nonstop work notifications

Supriya Sule had introduced a similar bill in 2019. The renewed proposal comes at a time when employees across the country are reporting increasing digital fatigue. India already follows a 48-hour work week, making this conversation even more relevant.