New Employee Rights Law in India

In India, many employees face common workplace issues such as receiving calls from their boss after office hours or not getting their salary on time. Due to lack of awareness, employees often believe these practices are “normal” or unavoidable. However, Indian labour laws clearly protect employees’ rights related to working hours, mental well-being, and timely payment of wages. This blog explains what the law says, what is legal or illegal, and what an employee can do in such situations. Can a Boss Call or Message After Office Hours in India? Is There a “Right to Disconnect” Law in India? India does not yet have a specific law titled “Right to Disconnect” like some foreign countries. However, Indian labour laws indirectly protect employees from being forced to work beyond official working hours. Laws That Protect Employees from After-Hours Work Pressure 1. Shops and Establishments Act (State-wise) Defines daily and weekly working hours Provides rules for overtime Forcing work beyond working hours without overtime pay can be illegal 2. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 Protects employees from unfair labour practices Mental harassment and forced overtime can be challenged 3. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 Focuses on employee well-being Excessive workload affecting mental health goes against the spirit of the law When Is Calling After Office Hours Considered Wrong? A boss’s call or message may be considered unlawful or harassment if: Calls are made regularly after working hours Employees are pressured to work on weekly offs or holidays Threats are given for not answering calls No overtime payment is provided Calls cause mental stress or harassment Continuous after-hours calls may amount to mental harassment at the workplace. What Can an Employee Do? Check company HR policy and appointment letter Maintain records of calls, messages, and emails Politely communicate working hours in writing Escalate the issue to HR or management File a complaint with the Labour Department if needed Salary Not Paid on Time – What Does Indian Law Say? Timely Payment of Salary Is a Legal Right Salary is not a favour—it is a legal entitlement. Delayed or unpaid wages are a violation of Indian labour laws. Laws Governing Timely Salary Payment 1. Payment of Wages Act, 1936 Salary must be paid: By the 7th day (if fewer than 1,000 employees) By the 10th day (if more than 1,000 employees) Illegal deductions are not allowed 2. Code on Wages, 2019 Ensures timely payment of wages Mandates minimum wages Prohibits unauthorized salary deductions 3. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 Non-payment of salary is treated as an industrial dispute Employees can legally complain What Happens If Salary Is Not Paid on Time? Consequences for the Employer Labour Department notice Penalties and fines Order to pay pending salary with interest Legal proceedings Damage to company reputation What Should an Employee Do If Salary Is Delayed? Step-by-Step Action Plan Send a written email to HR/accounts Keep salary slips, offer letter, and attendance records File a complaint with the Labour Commissioner Use online labour grievance portals Send a legal notice if delay continues Can an Employee Resign Due to Non-Payment of Salary? Yes. If: Salary is repeatedly delayed or unpaid Written complaints are ignored Mental pressure or harassment continues Such a situation may amount to constructive termination, allowing the employee to claim legal remedies. Common Myths Employees Believe “It’s a private company, so labour laws don’t apply” – ❌ “Boss can call anytime” – ❌ “Salary delay is normal” – ❌ Indian labour laws apply to both private and public sector employees. Key Employee Rights in India (Summary) Fixed working hours Timely payment of salary Overtime payment Protection from mental harassment Right to file a labour complaint Conclusion Indian employees are legally entitled to work-life balance, dignity, and timely wages. Regular calls after office hours and delay in salary payment may be violations of labour laws. Your job is part of your life—not your entire life. Employees should be aware of their rights, maintain proper documentation, and take legal action when necessary  भारत में काम करने वाले लाखों कर्मचारी आज भी यह नहीं जानते कि उनके क्या कानूनी अधिकार (Employee Rights) हैं। कई कंपनियों में यह आम बात बन चुकी है कि: ऑफिस टाइम के बाद भी बॉस कॉल या मैसेज करता है छुट्टी के दिन काम के लिए दबाव डाला जाता है समय पर सैलरी नहीं दी जाती लेकिन अब भारत में श्रम कानून (Labour Laws) और नए वर्कप्लेस नियम कर्मचारियों को सुरक्षा देते हैं। यह ब्लॉग आपको सरल हिंदी में बताएगा कि कर्मचारी क्या सहन करना मजबूरी नहीं है और कानून क्या अधिकार देता है। क्या बॉस ऑफिस टाइम के बाद कॉल या मैसेज कर सकता है? सामान्य नियम भारत में अभी कोई एक “Right to Disconnect” नाम का अलग कानून लागू नहीं है, लेकिन: काम के घंटे तय होते हैं ऑफिस टाइम के बाद काम के लिए बाध्य करना अनुचित श्रम व्यवहार माना जा सकता है किन कानूनों से कर्मचारी को सुरक्षा मिलती है? 1. Shops and Establishments Act (राज्य-वार) हर राज्य में लागू काम के घंटे तय ओवरटाइम का प्रावधान बिना भुगतान अतिरिक्त काम अवैध 2. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 जबरन अतिरिक्त काम मानसिक उत्पीड़न अनुचित श्रम व्यवहार पर शिकायत का अधिकार 3. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 मानसिक स्वास्थ्य और वर्क-लाइफ बैलेंस पर ज़ोर अत्यधिक काम करवाना कानून की भावना के खिलाफ कब बॉस का कॉल करना गलत माना जाएगा? बॉस का कॉल गलत या अवैध माना जा सकता है जब: वह रोज़ ऑफिस टाइम के बाद कॉल करता है छुट्टी या साप्ताहिक अवकाश में काम के लिए दबाव डालता है कॉल न उठाने पर धमकी देता है बिना ओवरटाइम पे के काम करवाता है लगातार ऑफिस टाइम के बाद कॉल करना मेंटल हैरेसमेंट की श्रेणी में भी आ सकता है। कर्मचारी क्या कर सकता है? कंपनी की HR पॉलिसी चेक करें कॉल/मैसेज का रिकॉर्ड रखें ईमेल के माध्यम से ऑफिस टाइम स्पष्ट करें HR या मैनेजमेंट को लिखित शिकायत दें लेबर ऑफिस में शिकायत दर्ज कराएं समय पर सैलरी न मिलने पर भारतीय कानून क्या कहता है?