CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP AA Rahim presents the Right to Disconnect Bill in the Rajya Sabha. Photo: Screengrab via X/@AARahimdyfi.
Seeking to address the deteriorating work-life balance and growing mental health concerns, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP AA Rahim on Friday introduced the Right to Disconnect Bill, which seeks to guarantee employees the right to disconnect from work-related communications outside official working hours.
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After-lunch sittings in both Houses of Parliament are reserved for private members’ motions.
Mr. Rahim said the bill arose out of a long-standing demand to curb the “always-on” digital work culture that was taking a toll on India’s youth. Work-related emails, messages and calls are increasingly spread far beyond working hours and extend into weekends, public holidays and even authorized holidays.
“Disproportionately affected have been young professionals, particularly those in the IT, platform and service sectors, who face constant pressure to remain available without clear legal protections,” he said.
The bill seeks to formally recognize employees’ right to personal time, mental rest and recuperation. It proposes that workers should not be required to respond to work communications after hours and should not face any adverse consequences—such as disciplinary action, poor performance evaluations, or denial of career opportunities—for exercising this right.
In 2017, the French parliament passed a similar law requiring companies with more than 50 employees to negotiate policies allowing employees to ignore digital communications after hours. It allows employees to opt out without fear of retaliation, although enforcement depends on company-level agreements or bylaws. Belgium, Portugal and Australia have also adopted similar legislation.
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Mr Rahim’s bill imposes statutory obligations on employers. Companies would have to design and implement a comprehensive right to disconnect policy in consultation with employee representatives or recognized trade unions. Such a policy would define working hours, permissible communications outside of working hours, emergency protocols, grievance redressal mechanisms and measures to promote digital health and mental health in the workplace.
According to him, the legislation is particularly relevant in the post-pandemic context, where models of remote work and hybrid work have blurred the line between professional and personal life. “Studies consistently indicate high levels of occupational stress among Indian professionals outside of normal working hours, with young workers and women among the most affected,” noted Rahim. India currently lacks any legal framework to address this issue.
Mr. Rahim also introduced two other private members’ bills – the Education Consultations Regulations Bill, 2025 and the Environmental Protection Amendment Bill, 2025. These aim to address long-standing regulatory gaps that affect students and communities affected by climate change across the country.
Published – 06 Feb 2026 22:34 IST
