News- The Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 was recently introduced in Lok Sabha by MP Supriya Sule to promote work–life balance.
About Right to Disconnect
- It is the right of workers not to engage in work-related activities or communications through digital tools (including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers) or other communication tools outside working hours, without fear of punishment.
The right to disconnect aims to:
- Protect employee health: by addressing psychosocial risks, including stress and burnout.
- Ensure compliance with working hours: to reinforce designated working hours and necessary rest periods.
- Maintain work-life balance: helping employees safeguard their personal and family lives.
Legal framework: There is no specific law ensuring the right to disconnect in India
Constitutional support: Article 38 promotes people’s welfare, and Article 39(e) safeguards workers’ health and strength.
Judicial view: Judgments such as Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan (1997) and Ravindra Kumar Dhariwal (2021) recognise dignity at the workplace and support reasonable accommodation for workers.
About The Right to Disconnect Bill 2025
- The Bill proposes company-level rules and protocols on after-hours communication.
• It requires Employees’ Welfare Committees for negotiation with staff.
• It mandates penalties for companies violating the provisions.
• It proposes digital detox centres and an Employees’ Welfare Authority.
Right to Disconnect Around the World
- France was the first country to enact a formal right to disconnect law in 2017.
- Belgium has adopted rules requiring many employers to respect employees’ right to disconnect after working hours.
- Argentina provides a legal right to disconnect for teleworkers outside agreed working hours and during leave.
- Portugal has passed protections that limit employers’ after-hours digital contact with employees.
- Australia is the most recent country, adding a statutory right to disconnect through changes to the Fair Work Act in 2024.
