Maximum Working Hours in India – What the Law Says and How It Impacts You

Ever wondered how many hours you can legally be asked to work in India? The answer isn’t a mystery – the Factories Act, Shops and Establishments Act and the Code on Wages spell it out. Knowing these limits helps you protect your health, plan your life and keep your boss on the right side of the law.

Daily and Weekly Caps You Should Know

Most Indian states follow a simple rule: an employee shouldn’t work more than nine hours a day or 48 hours a week. Some states allow a maximum of eight hours per day, especially for office workers covered by the Shops and Establishments Act. If you’re in a factory, the Factories Act caps the daily limit at nine hours, with a weekly total of 48 hours.

What about breaks? You’re entitled to at least a half‑hour meal break after five hours of work. That break doesn’t count toward the nine‑hour limit, so you can still stay within the legal cap.

Overtime: When It’s Allowed and How It’s Paid

Employers can ask you to work beyond the normal limit, but only if they pay overtime. The overtime rate is at least double the regular wage for each extra hour. Some states may require a 1.5‑times rate for the first two overtime hours and double thereafter – check your state’s rule.

Overtime can’t exceed 12 hours in a week under most laws. That means the total work time, including overtime, should not go beyond 60 hours per week. If an employer pushes you past this, they’re breaking the law and you can raise a complaint with the labor office.Can you refuse overtime? Yes, you can. If the overtime request violates the legal cap or you have a valid reason (like health issues), you can say no without fear of retaliation.

Many workers forget to track their hours, especially when they’re paid monthly. Keep a simple diary or use a phone app to note start and end times. This record becomes handy if you need to prove overtime or a breach of the daily cap.

What if you’re a gig worker or freelancer? The same caps don’t always apply, because you’re technically a contractor. Still, if a client treats you like an employee and dictates hours, you may still be protected by labor law. It’s worth checking your contract and, if needed, consulting a labor attorney.

Finally, remember that the law also protects you from being forced to work on public holidays unless you’re paid at a higher rate – usually double pay. If you work on a holiday, you should receive that extra compensation even if the day counts toward your weekly total.

Understanding maximum working hours and overtime rules lets you speak up confidently. If you suspect a violation, start by talking to your HR or manager. If that doesn’t help, file a complaint with the state labor department or seek legal advice. Your health and rights are worth defending.