Does Your Boss Assign You Work Even on Your Day Off? Know Your Rights—What Does the Law Say?

New Labour Law: Often, a boss will call you on your day off to assign pending or stalled work—tasks you are expected to complete at all costs.

New Labour Law Rules: An individual works hard throughout the week and rests on their weekly day off to recharge for the upcoming workweek. Furthermore, they typically use this day off to attend to personal errands and matters.

However, employees often find themselves in a predicament when they receive a call from their boss at the office. Frequently, a boss will call on a holiday to assign pending or stalled tasks—work that you are expected to complete without fail. But have you ever wondered what the law has to say about this? Is such conduct right or wrong? Let us explain this to you in detail today.

Deadline Pressure in Private Companies

Speaking to ET Wealth Online, Malak Bhatt, Founding Partner at NM Law Chambers, stated: “Generally, in many Indian private companies—particularly those under intense pressure to perform—it is quite common for managers to call employees even on their days off. Citing ‘project deadlines,’ they may cancel previously approved leave or expect employees to remain available and accessible even during their holidays.” Fearing the loss of their job, the employee often quietly sets about completing the assigned work.

What Does the Law Say?

Under India’s new Labour Code (2025-26), employees cannot be compelled to work on a holiday without their explicit consent. If such work is required, it is mandatory to provide either double the standard wages as compensation or a compensatory off (an alternative day off in exchange).

Furthermore, any additional work exceeding 15 to 30 minutes will now be classified as overtime. The regulations also include a provision mandating double payment for such overtime work. According to a report by Zee Business, at least one day of leave every seven days is mandatory, and the ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill also proposes the right to ignore calls or messages after working hours.