The time has come for India to officially legislate a fundamental right for its citizens: the right to disconnect. Furthermore, work-related stress, often fuelled by the expectation of 24X7 digital availability, is a significant contributor to the burgeoning national mental health crisis, accounting for 10%-12% of cases, as per the National Mental Health Survey. France, a pioneer in this area, introduced the “right to disconnect” as far back as 2017. The legislative momentum behind the right to disconnect confirms its urgency, with pioneering States such as Kerala already introducing their own legislation for the local private sector. Incorporating legal protections for a work-life balance — the right to disconnect and limiting working hours — will forge a holistic and vigorous approach toward improving the workplace environment in India.

Source: The Hindu January 06, 2026 18:55 UTC