WORKING HOURS IN INDIA: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND CHALLENGES
AUTHOR – DEEPIKA, STUDEN AT TAMILNADU DR.AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW
BEST CITATION – DEEPIKA, WORKING HOURS IN INDIA: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND CHALLENGES, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 1012-1020, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT
The majority of developed nations have seen a significant change in working hours in recent decades. In the majority of nations, there has been a general trend toward fewer hours spent working. The amount of weekly working hours and the trend in working hours over time, however, differ significantly between nations. This research paper examines the regulation of working hours in India, focusing on the legal framework, challenges, and implications for workers and employers. The paper traces the evolution of working hour laws, beginning with the Factories Act of 1948, which established the first significant limits on working hours in industrial settings. Today, working hours are regulated by various laws, including the Factories Act, Shops and Establishments Act, and sector-specific regulations, such as the Mines Act,1952. Despite these legal provisions, the paper highlights persistent issues such as overwork, non-compliance, and inadequate enforcement, particularly in the informal sector. The research further explores the impact of long working hours on workers’ health, work-life balance, and productivity. It also delves into the evolving nature of work in India, with increasing gig and contract-based employment, which challenges traditional labor laws. In response, recent labor law reforms, including the Labor Codes, aim to address these issues by introducing flexibility while ensuring workers’ rights. The paper concludes by advocating for more robust enforcement mechanisms, greater awareness among workers and employers, and continuous updates to labor laws to adapt to the changing economic landscape and ensure fair working conditions for all.
Keywords: Working Hours, Factories, Work Life Balance, Employees, Working Conditions