QUIET QUITTING AND THE LAW: DO INDIAN EMPLOYEES HAVE A RIGHT TO DISENGAGE?

The rise of “quiet quitting” has sparked global debate about employee engagement, workplace expectations, and the limits of employer authority. Contrary to its name, quiet quitting does not involve resigning from employment; rather, it refers to employees performing only the duties required under their employment contracts while rejecting the culture of unpaid overwork and constant availability. This article examines the legal status of quiet quitting in India against the backdrop of increasing workplace stress, burnout, and evolving attitudes toward work-life balance. Through an analysis of Indian labor laws, including the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946, the article argues that employees who fulfill their contractual obligations cannot be lawfully penalized merely for refusing to exceed them. It further distinguishes quiet quitting from the legally recognized misconduct of “go slow,” emphasizing the centrality of contractual compliance in determining employee rights. The article also highlights the absence of a statutory Right to Disconnect in India and argues for legislative reforms that protect employees from unreasonable after-hours work demands. Ultimately, it contends that quiet quitting represents not workplace disloyalty, but a legitimate assertion of legal rights and personal boundaries in modern employment relationships.