Kerala has become the first in India to introduce the Right to Disconnect Bill 2025which will give the private sector employees the right to say no to attend meetings, calls etc after their workday is over. The proposed Bill represents a legislative milestone aimed at restoring those boundaries and reaffirming the fundamental right to rest and dignity for private-sector employees.

Policy Concerns
The proposed Right to Disconnect Bill marks a significant milestone in promoting healthier work–life balance-especially in the backdrop of recent calls for 70-hour workweeks or more. However, the Bill will have to carefully navigate its path toward implementation.

While news of the proposal has already reignited long-standing discussions, the fate of this private member’s bill will ultimately depend on government consensus. In an era of increasing privatization and growing dependence on digital connectivity, enforcing such a right could pose practical challenges-particularly since, if passed, it would apply only within a specific state. This raises important questions: what happens to inter-state work communications and virtual meetings?

Furthermore, the Bill currently focuses on private sector employees. It would be far more commendable if its scope were expanded to include all employees, ensuring equitable work-life protections across sectors.

Nevertheless, the passage of this Bill will be something to watch closely. It is poised to spark meaningful debates around work-life balance and may well inspire demands for similar rights across other states in the country.